Good Morning Friends!

My prayer is that you are well today, rested and ready to face the challenges and the joys that you will find before your head finds the pillow to conclude another day.

Each day is hard in its own ways for each of us. At times, we don’t understand what it means to find ourselves out of the situation that we don’t want to be in. There are times that we don’t understand why we aren’t getting the things we think we deserve, when the reality is we don’t. Like Pastor Dave said last night, if I got what I deserved, I would be struck down dead. I don’t get what I deserve, and I praise God for that!

I never deserved to meet this girl who changed my world:


Or this one:

I didn’t deserve to meet my “brothers” (who we all have a love/hate relationship with each other):


I never deserved the opportunity to see God do this:


And I never dreamed that I would actually be a part of it:


And no doubt, I didn’t deserve a Saviour who went and did this to cover my sin:





I didn’t get what I deserved. I praise God I didn’t get what I deserved.
Are you thankful that you get what you didn’t deserve?

Another day.

Another day. Another moment to rise to the occasion.

It’s a glorious rainy day here in Birmingham. Classes are back in full force; I’m just not ready for this. May 15 cannot come soon enough.

God is moving. God continues to show up when we get ready for services. God is showing up in our daily lives. Church yesterday was good; worship was refreshing. Good to see God show up in people’s lives. Matt is speaking this week; I’m looking forward to it. If you live in Birmingham, you should definitely be there. Comment or email me for details. We are watching a revolution rise up in this city; we should be honored that we are a chosen generation. Being chosen isn’t always easy; looking for the easy way out is not for us. But it would be easy to be that way.

Proverbs 27:19
A mirror reflects a man’s face but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses.

Show me your friends; I can show you your future. Your five closest friends will shape you more than anything else.

Check the people you are with. Are they seeking the Lord? Are they teaching you? What do you do when you are together? Is the Lord a part of what you do on a regular basis?

I’m watching a revolution rise because people got with people who call them to be better. People who call them to rise to the occasion of our lives. People who want us to be the generation we are called to be rather than the generation that people expected us to be. People who desire God to show up in our world. People who want others to see what is means to really glorify Christ with our lives.

Some of the team

(By the way, check out Basement Mission Media every Tuesday Night at 6:30p central time, 7:30p eastern time, 5:30p mountain time, and 4:30p pacific time to see The Basement on live feed. The Basement comes to your home computer.)

The Revolution


Will you rise up to the occasion of your life? Will you make it count for something in light of eternity? Or will you continue to be the status quo like every generation before you?

We're changing Birmingham; what are you changing?

Love each of you! Leave me a comment!
Kris

25 Things...

So, the truth is I don't really have anything cool to blog about tonight, and its taken it out of my today just to survive, so I thought this would be interesting.

RULE: Once you've been tagged you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you it's because I want to know more about you...

Here are my 25 facts:

1. One of the worst things for me is getting up. The whole idea of "Smile, its a new day!" doesn't hit me for a great while after I am awake. I love to sleep.
2. I am rediculously stubborn, even to myself sometimes. Some ideas I just can't "get over."
3. I am a horrible procrastinator. I suffer for it. I'm late just about everywhere, mostly because of the procrastination.
4. I love media. I don't go many places without a computer. I rarely handwrite anything now a days because I can just type it.
5. I want to do full time large scale youth ministry for a job.
6. Lillian is most of my world. And she's cute too!
7. I love my guys. More than they know. And, my girls are AMAZING. My whole world would be messed up without them in my life.
8. I am so DONE with school. Just want that piece of paper that says GRADUATED.
9. I do want to get married at some point. But it won't be for a while. I'm focused on the Lord, graduating, and ministry right now.
10. I am an observer by nature. I will more often watch than participate. Unless its something I'm good at and need to step up and lead, I'll normally just watch.
11. Work is getting old quick. I've never kept the same job both semesters since I have been in college. Ask me about that sometime.
12. I've had the same cell phone number more than half of my life. & that says a lot cause I'm only 20.
13. I can sleep just about anywhere if I am tired enough. And I love to sleep on airplanes. Its not very often I don't fall asleep.
14. I have far too many clothes. More than any one person should own.
15. I carry my backpack just about everywhere. Its like my grown up security blanket. If I have it, I feel safe.
16. I tend to do things in order. But in order means how I think they should be, and don't always make a ton of sense to everyone else.
17. This is taking forever.
18. I'm not sure that I really want kids. My sisters can have me just a bunch of nieces and nephews to spoil.
19. I'm not spontaneous pretty much at all. Seriously.
20. I love to have sweet tea. I could drink it just about everyday. But I try not to.
21. You need a twitter. Facebook status updates on steroids. Pretty cool.
22. I dream of getting married. I want to get married, but I know right now that I need to be focused on the Lord and his purposes.
23. I'm praying for my future husband. I can't wait to meet you babe!
    
24. The Basement is a huge part of my life. That's like its own 25 random things post.
25. And finally to the end, I love Jesus. I was set free from a life of suicide and depression and he has taken me places I dream of!

Love ya'll. Keep Jesus FIRST today! Be blessed!

Verse of the day...

So picture of the day failed horribly in my life, but I wanted to let you read a verse that rocked my world.

"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,so that, as it is written, 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.' " 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

We are nobody's who God has chosen to use to be a part of changing the world, and scripture is clear that He's chooses the no body's so that HE gets the glory. God is moving in this city. God is using us to change our city. And God is about to do more in this city than you can imagine.

Check out our website or our myspace to see what the Basement is all about and see what God is doing in Birmingham!

The Lunch Date Blouse GIVEAWAY!!!!

The Lunch Date Blouse GIVEAWAY!!!!

You definately need to check out this giveaway that Trina linked me too!

Its super cute!

Kristyn

A Photo A Day- 1 Jan 08

A Book I'm Reading

The Mess in my room... its clean now ;-)

Something that I want to do this year is to take at least one picture every day. Knowing me it will be more than one, but I want to document the year and the journey that the Lord takes me on.

Yesterdays are above: 1 January 2008

Just Some Pictures...

Thought I would upload some pictures from Africa 07 and a picture from Vacation last year... just some edits.

Where I'm At.

I try to talk to you, but I don't know what to say. I'm afraid you don't want me to say anything. So I don't. But inside of me there are words waiting to come out. And I tell you how I feel- like how I miss you. And how I love you despite my broken heart. And how I need you in my life. And especially how much I want you. But those words may forever stay in my heart-- locked inside. Sometimes I wonder if there are words locked inside of you too... but I might not ever know.

Super Cool...

And updating my blog for the second time in the same hour.

For one thought:

If you had every resource, what would you do that you aren't doing now?
What impact would you make that you aren't making now?
Would it be worth it to give something up so you could make an impact on earth, that could last through all of eternity?

Just thinking... I want to know what you think.
Kristyn

Not Me Monday

One of my super cool blog friends McMama (www.mycharmingkids.net) posts one of my favorite post of the week. This is the first time I've done it, but I'm working on getting into the habit of blogging more...

I am not bloging right now as to procrastinate on my last paper for Fall 2008. I'm being disciplined and getting the paper done right.

I didn't just throw my stuff all over the floor and not pick it up this weekend. I was good and put everything away in its place.

I didn't skip church this morning because my bed was so comfortable.

I didn't procrastinate on this paper.

I haven't been procrastinating like a CHAMP on Christmas shopping. Christmas is in ten days. I have more sense that that.

I'm not trying to talk myself out of running tomorrow before I get ready for the day. I do it every single day, and don't convince myself that i don't need to because I'm not trainign for a specific race.

That more "Not Me's" than you probably needed to know, but I'm working on bloging more and this was motivation to do so!

To the Basement Crew....

And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.

2 Corinthians 8:10-12 (NKJV)


I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it. But now finish doing it also, so that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability. For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.

2 Corinthians 8:10-12 (NASB)


I know this verse was written for us! Specifically today for the very purpose to encourage us in our mission! Remember that passionate CONSUMING desire? Have you lost it a little? It's only logical that you have. We gain it back, but some days we're down in the dumps thinking that what we're doing isn't really working. That verse says to finish! Don't stop your gait! We have to finish this with as much zeal and zest as we started out with! All we have to do is be willing! It doesn't matter if we have the ability to do 'this' or 'that' because God can use you whether you actually have the ability for the task He wants you to do! Look at Moses! He couldn't speak well, but God used him anyway! Look at David! A shepherd boy who became the king of Israel! Seeing a pattern? Look at Paul! He was killing Christians! Putting them in jail, but saw the light on the Road to Demascus and was struck blind only to receive his sight back! Not just his physical eyesight, but the doors of his heart were opened as well! You gotta be seeing this pattern now! Look at me! I'm a freaking nobody! I'm not rich. I don't have any money. I'm not worth a hill of beans. (haha, no pun intended there. =) But God is using me and will continue using me until the day I die! And He does the same thing for you! Your tuesday nights are NOT spent in vain. All the hard work you put into those nights. God bless you. jewels in the crown! Oh big ones little ones. green ones. purple ones. =)


We must cross that finish line with all the passion and desire in our hearts as we started out with! 1 Corinthians 9:24 says:

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it." (NKJV)

Run! Run! Run! (Forrest Gump comes to mind here... =p)
Run that race! Don't stop for anything or anyone!

I know there are so many people who will tell you and are telling you right now that this ministry is stupid and worldly and demonic and wrong. It brings me to tears. This isn't supposed to build up walls. So don't let them build up those walls. And do not become discouraged when people speak out against you! Jesus said that you are blessed if you are reviled for His sake.

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NKJV)

I love this verse. It has become my anthem to anyone who speaks against what we do.
Paul became a Jew so that he could relate to the Jews and speak with them about Christ, from their perspective. He became a Gentile to the Gentiles to bring them the gospel from their side of it. All that he did to become as others, he did without sacrificing his morals. He lived in this world, but he was not apart of this world. We live in the world, but we're not of this world. We come to an MTV generation. We get their attention. They come and are radically changed only for the better. Don't let any cause you to believe this is a bad thing that's going on.

I'll finish with this: Only God knows the outcome of this, but we cannot stop what we're doing. We MUST see this thing through! Please be encouraged by this! It's come as a revelation to share with you! 1 o'clock in the morning and I'm tippity tapping away. =) It's not in vain. Nothing ever is.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
John 3:16

** I DIDN'T WRITE THIS, but I wanted to let some of my blogger friends who wouldn't get to read it on facebook to read it** Thank you Kelly Bean!

350 days ago...

Its been 350 days since a day that I will never forget. Most people probably couldn’t tell you the date, or why that day is so significant in my life. That day absolutely, beyond the shadow of any doubt, changed my life more that I would have ever dreamed. Still today I fight the that day, often physically, but more often emotionally. The memories of those moments will come up, and remind me what a joy it is to be alive.

Sitting in the service Tuesday night, which is something I don’t do every often, I got a reality check. Matt’s was talking about having just one chance, having just one chance to make a difference for Jesus. Its one conversation. Its taking the time to tell someone about the answer they are searching for. If I would have known a year ago what would have happened, I would have no doubt done things differently. I would have stopped. I wouldn’t have been so rushed.

But honestly, I can’t really tell you who I was before this accident. The memory of the accident no doubt cloud the memories of life before it. I can’t tell you what I was thinking. But I’ve learned since the accident. I am a fighter; I will fight for what I know I need to do. The people that surrounded me after the accident, and likely before, will tell you that I wanted to do things on my own. There were days that I needed A LOT of help, but I tried to do it myself. I think this was because I knew that I needed to do it myself to prove to myself that I could.

Driving again absolutely was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Learning to trust myself behind the wheel of a car was really hard. I remember driving for the first time; I couldn’t tell you the first time I drove by myself when I got my lisence, but I can tell you exactly where I was going when I drove by myself for the first time after the accident. But I can tell you that everytime I get in the car today, I am reminded of the grace of God and his hand all over my life. I am reminded that I was given a second chance at life that I didn’t deserve.

A second chance at life will change you. Having the opportunity to live again. I was telling someone my story about the accident a couple weeks ago. This was the comment that came out: “once you almost lose your life, you understand the importance of living each moment like its your last more than you ever have before.” Watching people come around me and help me when I needed it. The weeks of recovery that took everyone around me to help me heal. It shows you the importance of friends. It shows you how often you need to tell people that you love them. It shows you how little material things matter. It shows you how short life is.

I beg you friends, to count today like it matters. Today could be the last chance you have to live. I never knew that almost a year ago I almost lost my life. I wouldn’t change what happened because I am a better person because of it. My testimony is a picture of God’s grace and how much love he has for us. If you’ve never heard the story, ask me about it. I’ll show you how faithful God really was through the whole situation.

I’m learning right now to trust in the Lord and know that his plan is way greater than the plan I had for myself. It’s a time that I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I know that I have to trust in the Lord. He has a plan that is a lot bigger than I could ever dream for myself.
Keep seeking. Love each of you.

And here are some of the pictures of the car. Thankfully there aren't any of me, but you can see that I came out alive of something I know I shouldn't have.

Rambling

You know what?

Sometimes it gets old. It gets old to be the one who is waiting. It gets old to see all your friends have the time of their lives when you face life by yourself. It gets old to let people know that you just are you and there isn’t someone else in your life. That for some reason that you aren’t good enough for someone. That you work and keep busy, but at times you feel so alone in the world.

But, to meet a baby who was just given the gift of life. To know that you will know her for the rest of your life. You are waiting for the day that she calls you and says, “I love and miss you Aunt Kris.” Her twenty-inch body took my breath away. She is so beautiful. I don’t think I can love someone more than I love her. Lilly will always be a part of my life; she will know that she is loved so she won’t go through the pain that I had to go through. To know that God sent his son as a baby to save me. What a precious gift babies are. I don’t think I realized that as much as I do now before I met Baby Lillian.

And to realize that you aren’t with someone because there is someone out they’re waiting for you. To know that you don’t have to change yourself to be loved; you will be loved for the rest of your life just as you are. To realize that there is someone out there for you. That one day your divinely orchestrated life will cross with the person that He made for you. You will realize that this is the man you were to marry. Or you realize that God made you because he wants you all for himself. He didn’t make you a husband because he wants you to whole-heartedly serve him for the rest of your life. He wants you to focus on him and his work. It will be worth it.

We just have to be okay with God’s plan. I don’t know God’s plan for my life for tomorrow. I don’t know where I will be in five years except for in constant communion with him, serving in his kingdom wherever he tells me I need to go. That's the only constant that I know will be there in the future.

The bad doesn’t seem so bad when you realize we were created as eternal beings. The promise of the future makes living for Jesus worth every hardship. Knowing Him is worth so much more than the worries of the world.

Just some of my ramblings from today. Praying for each of you.

The Last Great Outpouring

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and was and is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8

Behold, you stand on the threshold of a new day. For I have truly great things in store for you. Yes, you have not power to conceive what I am about to do. For I will bring to pass a new thing. You will rejoice exceedingly. You have heard of the showers, but I say to you: I will send a mighty downpour. Many have cried out to me from hungry hearts and received my fullness and seen My glory; but I say to you: In the day of great deluge which is coming, many will come to know the reality of my power who have until now not even dreamed of such a thing.

Many who are scoffer and who are honest doubters will find themselves swept away on the swelling tide of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. For this is the time of the last great outpouring. This is the day of preparation for the coming of the Lord. Many shall rejoice together in the Spirits work who are now at sword's point over doctrinal disputes and barriers of tradition.

But let your heart be encouraged; for a new day is dawning: a day of repentance and a day of gathering for My people. For they shall not continue to be barricaded and isolated behind walls of prejudice. I am the Lord, and I will be worshiped in Spirit and in truth, and not in the bigotry of sectarianism and narrowness of denominationalism. The world is waiting for a robust Church to minister to its needs; and how can an ailing, dismembered Body bring healing to a sick and dying world?

Surely I will pour out My Spirit, and by prophecies, by signs and wonders, but many different types of miracles, and by healings, I will reaffirm the veracity of My Word and bring the message of the Gospel of Redemption to many who would otherwise never give heed. I am the Alpha and Omega. Stand firm in Me. Never waver.

Be faithful regardless of apparent failures and discouragements; for My Word shall surely be fulfilled, and your eyes shall see revival in proportions such as never before witnessed in the history of the human race.

Keep your eye on the end of the course. Victory is secured already. Do not let the hurdles cause you consternation. Stay in the running. Truly, I am at your side. According to each day shall your strength be; and the race is not won by the swift, but the obedient shall receive the prize.

Come Away My Beloved
Frances J. Roberts

Hope that blesses you at much as it did me today. Jesus is taking over our city. Be ready to have your world rocked. He's in that business. Keep doing what your supposed to do. Love you guys! K

Blink

**This blog is inspired by a blog friend of mine. Read her blog; its a beautiful picture of motherhood, and trying to understand who God is. Be prepared to cry, laugh, and morn right along side of her. Audrey Caroline**
Blink

Taking a mental picture of a moment knowing that you will probably never get it back again in life. Taking the time to realize the beauty of each moment, and know that so often they only come once. They were some easy moments; some times they were really hard moments. But they defined me; they mark a time of change, a moment that will forever be a part of my memories.

Walking down the sidewalk with Matt, telling him about the World Race and what God was doing. Having him respond with “I want ‘my team’ here” but understanding why I need to go.

Blink.

Reading a letter from my dad with “I love you” at the bottom.

Blink.

Seeing a picture of Lillian and realizing in less than 2 months she will be in the world, wanting to protect her, but also let her see the world at the same time. Falling in love with something that is only a picture that I can hold right now.

Blink.

A text from Ashley that says I love you. If she only realized how much I needed that.

Blink.

Struggling to get a normal family picture whenever we go get them taken.

Blink.

When Dana came up to Birmingham for Taryn and Herbie’s wedding, shopping, going to the wedding, and running after. Realizing what a beautiful friend I have in her. A sister that God never gave me.

Blink.

Walking down the hallway at Cathedral with one of the Basement Crew; it doesn’t matter who it is, but talking just of life, of the unknowns, and faith in Christ. Never realizing how big of a thing we really are apart of, just focused on doing what we are supposed to do. But knowing that what we are doing is changing the world.

Blink.

Finding a bumper sticker that only Dana would understand and sending it to her.

Blink.

Hearing from an old friend and reconnecting, realizing I has just thought about her the day before.

Blink.

My first night at the dorms by myself, feeling so alone, not realizing what amazing friends were going to come from college.

Blink.

Struggling through my first semester at Southeastern, hating life, and having God do an amazing work in my life over that semester.

Blink.

Walking across the stage at graduation in 2005, pretty sure that Dad was going to light my gown on fire with the candle.

Blink.

Meeting Mercy, having her stay on my head all day, and wishing she could have been my own child.

Blink.

Walking on the jet way in Entebbe, saying do you realize that we’re in Africa now? I feel in love that day with a continent that will always be a part of my heart. And little did I realize how much a country would change me.

Blink.

Watching the sunrise after a day of being sick at Telling the Truth rescue unit. Its like God was painting a picture just for me that day.

Blink.

Breaking my arm on the well arm in Uganda, passing out, and the awful hospital visit.

Blink.

Hanging upside down in the car, deciding whether to give up right there, or fight. And deciding to fight.

Blink.

Talking with Jason for the first time about working at CrossPoint, and the moments that followed and the time I spent there.

Blink.


This will be updated later this week with more moments that are just like those posted and some pictures of those moments, but I wanted to get this put up.

Promises.

Encouragement for the journey:

Set Your Course By My Promises

“The Lord is faithful, who will establish and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Be not afraid, I will not allow your adversaries to swallow you up. You are My child; I will deliver you, honor you, and be glorified through you. Because of My faithfulness to you, even your enemies will recognize my power. I will keep you in sickness, and in death I will be your sure comfort. I will walk with you through the valley, and you will fear no shadow. Hold to My promises. They are given to you A chart is given to a ship, and a compass to the hunter. You may set your course and find your way by My promises. They will lead you and guide you in places where there is no trodden path. They will give you direction and wisdom and will open up your own understanding.
Study My Word, the Bible. It abounds with nuggets of courage. It will strengthen you and help you, and even in eternity you will partake of its far-reaching effects.


Come Away My Beloved
Frances J. Roberts


I read this today. Jesus opened the book, and I just read it. Finding out this news last night, and reading this really made it that He's taking care of me. I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future. Hopefully this encourages you too.

To Pass Through the Storm....

and remain positive that He is still God, though the storms we face.

That is what it means to go through a hard time.

We will get through this Southeastern Bible College. Our God has never failed us, and I know that He won't fail us now. We are so blessed to have the family we call Southeastern. Never forget that our bond will get us through this storm.

A. L. O. N. E.

Today was one of the days that the reality of being alone really hit me right in the heart. The reality of the fact that my family is 1000 miles away. The reality that I really don’t have anyone to lean on.
I am always okay. The world doesn’t know anything different. In fact, so many people don’t. So few people are let into the world when I am not okay. I can fake that smile so easily. I wonder if some people know. And I realize the power of a kind word. The power of a single gesture means more than people know.
I went out to dinner tonight by myself. Leaving to ski in Maggie Valley has been on my mind all day. I’m excited, and nervous at the same time. Everyone was out with their boyfriend tonight, and I decided to go out to eat, because I know I wouldn’t get a “free” meal this weekend. I decided on Golden Corral in some ways to remind me of home. We used to go eat here all the time when I lived in Maryland. I thought that I would be alright; I didn’t figure that coming to a place like this would remind me so much of my life that I left in Maryland. But as I was paying, the guy ringing me up figured I was with the people behind me, a father and a son. He overcharged me, and I told him so, and he went about fixing it. It wasn’t until I realized that it could of easily been mom, dad and me, like it was when I got home from Africa.
Walking getting food made me realize something: I really am alone. My friends are awesome; don’t get me wrong. But you can’t replace family. You can’t tell me that you wouldn’t be lost without them. People here don’t realize the value of family; only when you are away you can. Only when you really are alone do you realize how big the world really is, and how much people don’t really care.
One thing that I am going to do whenever I’m out alone is look for others that are alone. It could be just a meal, or making someone’s day one time. The lady next to me realized my pain through the tears in my eyes, and brought me a stuffed dog and wished me a Happy Valentine’s Day. You have no idea how much it meant; I’m sure she doesn’t either. But when you’re facing the world alone, you realize the power of one kind word. Of one gesture, of one moment. She gave me hope to realize that there really are good people still out there. She gave me the courage to pay it forward. To love someone else who is like me and “alone”.
Jesus is there. I know that no doubt in my mind. I know that he’s sitting across the table with me. At times, its so hard to be sitting at the table alone, with every other chair tucked in under the table. I know that He’s there in spirit; it is just hard to imagine him in the skin. It so hard when you are facing the world with you and whatever you have with you. Its hard to realize that so often this computer is the only other thing around. That the words on the page are a vent of sorts. That the only thing that really listens is this document.
I’ve tried to convince myself that Valentine’s day is simply a commercial holiday. But what I can’t honestly convince myself is that it isn’t a holiday. The holidays are the worst. Those days are the hardest. My parents have been married 27 years today. I called to tell them congrats, and my mom said this: “Just wanted to let you know even though you aren’t here we still love you and we miss you.” The reality of those words hit me. They really do, I know that. I just want sometimes to be there. I want to be able to teleport. It would be so nice to be able to be back home for just a meal, and back, but such isn’t possible.
I’m good now that I’ve had a night of rest. I know that I am loved. Jesus is restoring

A. L. O. N. E.

Today was one of the days that the reality of being alone really hit me right in the heart. The reality of the fact that my family is 1000 miles away. The reality that I really don’t have anyone to lean on.
I am always okay. The world doesn’t know anything different. In fact, so many people don’t. So few people are let into the world when I am not okay. I can fake that smile so easily. I wonder if some people know. And I realize the power of a kind word. The power of a single gesture means more than people know.
I went out to dinner tonight by myself. Leaving to ski in Maggie Valley has been on my mind all day. I’m excited, and nervous at the same time. Everyone was out with their boyfriend tonight, and I decided to go out to eat, because I know I wouldn’t get a “free” meal this weekend. I decided on Golden Corral in some ways to remind me of home. We used to go eat here all the time when I lived in Maryland. I thought that I would be alright; I didn’t figure that coming to a place like this would remind me so much of my life that I left in Maryland. But as I was paying, the guy ringing me up figured I was with the people behind me, a father and a son. He overcharged me, and I told him so, and he went about fixing it. It wasn’t until I realized that it could of easily been mom, dad and me, like it was when I got home from Africa.
Walking getting food made me realize something: I really am alone. My friends are awesome; don’t get me wrong. But you can’t replace family. You can’t tell me that you wouldn’t be lost without them. People here don’t realize the value of family; only when you are away you can. Only when you really are alone do you realize how big the world really is, and how much people don’t really care.
One thing that I am going to do whenever I’m out alone is look for others that are alone. It could be just a meal, or making someone’s day one time. The lady next to me realized my pain through the tears in my eyes, and brought me a stuffed dog and wished me a Happy Valentine’s Day. You have no idea how much it meant; I’m sure she doesn’t either. But when you’re facing the world alone, you realize the power of one kind word. Of one gesture, of one moment. She gave me hope to realize that there really are good people still out there. She gave me the courage to pay it forward. To love someone else who is like me and “alone”.
Jesus is there. I know that no doubt in my mind. I know that he’s sitting across the table with me. At times, its so hard to be sitting at the table alone, with every other chair tucked in under the table. I know that He’s there in spirit; it is just hard to imagine him in the skin. It so hard when you are facing the world with you and whatever you have with you. Its hard to realize that so often this computer is the only other thing around. That the words on the page are a vent of sorts. That the only thing that really listens is this document.
I’ve tried to convince myself that Valentine’s day is simply a commercial holiday. But what I can’t honestly convince myself is that it isn’t a holiday. The holidays are the worst. Those days are the hardest. My parents have been married 27 years today. I called to tell them congrats, and my mom said this: “Just wanted to let you know even though you aren’t here we still love you and we miss you.” The reality of those words hit me. They really do, I know that. I just want sometimes to be there. I want to be able to teleport. It would be so nice to be able to be back home for just a meal, and back, but such isn’t possible.
I’m good now that I’ve had a night of rest. I know that I am loved. Jesus is restoring

Seeing Beauty In What the World Deems Ugly.

Seeing Beauty in the little things. Seeing beauty in the things that really don’t make sense. Seeing it in the face that our lives aren’t perfect. Seeing that Jesus really is reigning in this city like no other. Seeing that Birmingham is waking up to revival. We packed out the BJCC on Saturday with Christian artists. They were turning people away at the door. They couldn’t get in. There were tons of people there. Different walks of life. Different ages. It’s been so cool to see that Jesus is really doing something in here. I saw people who shouldn’t be alive there, myself included. It drives me to share the gospel. It drives me to saw that people from many walks of life are searching for Jesus. It forces me out of my comfort zone. Justin Standridge said three nights ago that at any time God could use someone else to share the gospel. That God could decide to take us away from WhoSoEver Ministries. It hit me that this is an honor rather than an obligation. Not saying that there aren’t days or events that I feel like it s job; but when you realize what Jesus did, and why he came, that we can find joy in the fact that we GET to serve and be used by him. I can’t say without wondering that Jesus didn’t ever feel like he was doing his “job”. I think that he did; and I don’t feel like I’m sinning because of it.
I talked to a lady two nights ago at Winter Jam that asked me this: “What made you turn from your old way of life?” In joy I was able to tell her that Jesus is the reason that I was able to do that. And that he was the only way that I was able to do that. He saved me from the pit of hell. He brought me out of the pit of despair and back into his marvelous light. The beauty of being saved from my sin. The beauty of the fact that I have my mind made up that this life isn’t over. The grave doesn’t have a hold on me. I might be dead on the way home and die. The death rate is 100%. Everyone in all of history died, Jesus included. Dying is something is beautiful if you are looking for the beauty in it. Beauty is not something that isn’t there; we just fail to see it. Keep looking for beauty friends. You will see it if you look hard enough. Keep looking for it.

What is beautiful?
Death
Disease
People
Jesus
Grace
Love
Annoying Habits
Wildlife
Culture
Travelling
Seeing People Give Their Lives to Jesus
Church with all its faults
Family
Technology
Alive Things
Noise
Voices
Laughter
Children
Teenagers
Mountains
Parents
College Students

And the list goes on and on.
Just look for it.