These days are so full, rich, and deep. Sometimes, I really forget why they are. I forget about dwelling in the present moments with God; I forget about eternity.

"In Him is Life! And, this Life is the Light of men. The Light shines through the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it" (John 1:4-5).

As I was skimming over my blog posts, I am made aware of how much has happened! I have changed so much! But, more importantly, I have fallen more in love with Jesus because of His great love for me.

I appreciate lists. So, here is a list of changes, things that I am learning, and things that I am experiencing.

1. I am on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ, and I will be working at Kennesaw State University when I reach full-support.
2. I am four months out of school. What a relief!
3. I am growing into adulthood, and I never wanted to grow up when I was younger. I stayed as young as I could. ***
4. I am learning how to posture myself under the grandeur, magnificence, and holiness of God. My life is not my own, and I have been bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
5. I have tasted and seen the goodness of God in ways that I never thought I would (Ps. 34:8).

***To be transparent with you, I will give you an example how I tried to stay young: I played with Barbie's until I was about 12.

All of these things changes and growing experiences are affecting the current season of life that I am in: I am raising support for the work that God has called me to with Campus Crusade for Christ. This is stretching and challenging. But, I believe in the yielding that it will bring: dependency upon the Lord and a greater view of who I am in Him.

I encourage you to think over the past several months and ask yourself: What changes have occurred? Where have I been growing, or where have I not been growing? Have I fallen more in love with Jesus? If not, do I understand that He loves me completely?

"Behold, you delight in truth in the innermost place; You teach me wisdom in the secret heart" (Ps. 51:6).

Tenth Avenue North - The Making of "You Are More"

The simple gospel of Jesus dispells everything that we tell ourselves and that we hear from the results of humanity's sin.

Do you hear that? Did you know that because of Jesus you can let go of self-deprecating thoughts? Have you ever understood the purpose of Jesus as a rescue mission for your heart--to completely free you of consequence of sin which is death? Death in your self-worth. Death in relationships. Death in your union with God. Jesus, the Messiah promised, came "that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). So, what does that mean and what does that look like?

What is abundant life as it relates to your self-worth? I think that it's comprehending total acceptance and love from God, your Creator.

What is it to experience abundant life in relationships? I think it's manifested in freedom to love, freedom to give, and freedom to receive. It's giving and receiving what is described in 1 Corinthians 13: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, and it does not boast. It isn't proud, rude or self seeking. Love is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of being wronged. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails."

So, abundant life in union with God. It's freedom; it's grace; it's reverence for His awesomeness; and it's the comfort of knowing Him as the Father of all compassion and the God of comfort. Imagine an unending presence constantly in connection with your very personhood. That is abundant life. When one confesses by faith that Jesus is the Messiah, who died and resurrected for the sake of forgiving one's sin and bringing new life, then God's Spirit comes and fills that person. Just as God filled the Temple in Jerusalem with His presence, so man is filled with the presence, power, and glory of God. It's not figurative. It is literal.

May you hear Jesus speak to you: "Behold, I stand at the door (of your heart and of your life) and knock. If any man opens to Me, I will come in and (I will remain with him)." (Paraphrase of Revelation 3:20)

Tenth Avenue North - "Any Other Way" Video Journal

Song

Psalm 16

"Keep me safe, O God, for I come to You for Refuge. I said to my Lord, You are my Lord, apart from You I have no good thing. As for the saints who are in the land, they are the godly ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips. The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup--You hold my lot...I will bless the Lord who counsels me. Even at night, my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken...At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Psalm 16:

You said that You would be my Portion
You said that You would be my Everything
You said that You would be my Portion in the land of the living

So, come and fill this house with Your love
Come and fill this house with Your presence
Come and fill this house with Your love
Come and fill this house with Your glory