Wedding Day

From Denton...

Last week, I was hanging out with my dear friend Blake and we were discussing the word. The Lord had placed 2 Corinthians 3: 16-18 on my heart:

"But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

So, I was talking it out to him and was trying to make sure I understood the context and what exactly it was referring to (Moses and the old covenant). Then, Blake also reminded me of the visual of a wedding day and compared it to the verse. "Ohhhhhhh" Well that makes perfect sense! Ever since that talk and he reminded me of that visual, I have not been able to get it out of my mind.

Being a girl, my wedding day is something I have thought about and dreamt about since I was a little. I know many couples who are getting married this summer, so weddings seem to be all over the place...I don't think I could avoid them if I tried (which I wouldn't want to...i just love weddings!)...'tis the season!! I will catch myself thinking about where I would get married, who I would want to be in my wedding, what my dress would look like, what my ceremony would include. I have dreamed up the greatest little wedding...everything is perfect in my mind...the only thing missing is the groom ha!

I love picturing walking down the aisle in my white dress with a veil covering my face...looking the most beautiful I have ever looked and probably ever will. I am facing my groom with a huge smile-getting giddy with butterflies, about to explode with excitement...not being able to contain all of the emotions rushing through me. As I am picturing this very precious moment that may happen one day, the Lord reminds me of that verse. If these are the emotions I am feeling just thinking about the moment, I can only imagine what it would actually be like. Now, I am sure my wedding day will be one of the most glorious days in my entire life here on earth...if so, I can't begin to fathom what it will be like to meet my bridegroom-Jesus-in eternity! I am now picturing myself walking towards him in a white gown with a veil over my face...probably weak in the knees and crying totally beside myself-for I am walking towards my creator! I am reminded of "But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed...And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image..." When approaching the my Heavenly bridegroom, the veil is removed and HIS glory will be radiating-beaming through me...what a sweet and precious moment.What a day to live and prepare for! The Lord totally humbles me as he reminds me of that special day of unity!

It is so very easy to day dream about my wedding here on earth, to day dream about who I would marry and all of that good stuff. Although the Lord places those desires in my heart, it's easy to get carried away with them. Through this visual and verse, the Lord is very much reminding me that no day here on earth or no person here on earth will ever match or compare to that day when I meet my Heavenly bridegroom...and having a relationship with Him-falling in love with Him surpasses any love I could ever dream up. I am so thankful for the sweet love of Jesus- "Oh how HE loves us, so!" My searching stops and finds rest in the Lord-my heart leaps for joy for HIS name :)

Summer...finally!

From ROUND ROCK!

Greetings!
I am back in Round Rock for the summer starting my job as youth intern at Central. My dear friend Daniel will also be interning this summer so I am very excited about that! We have both been given a lot of responsibility, and as scary as that is, I am completely overjoyed to get to create ideas and run with them. To say that I am looking forward to all that I get to be a part of would be an understatement. God has blessed me tremendously in so many ways.

This weekend, Kristen and I (along with our good friends Blake, Justin, and possibly some others!) will be going to stay with Kristen's grandparents in New Braunfels. I am quite excited to get to relax and just spend some time with people that I don't get to see too often.

(Side note...Kristen also got herself a summer job! But I'm sure she will post about that later)

Anyways...since this is just the beginning of my summer, I don't have too much to write. I'm sure though as summer progresses I will have many stories and pictures to share!


Have an awesome week :)

How full are you?

from Denton...

Today I have been reading in John and the Lord's word is just too good not to share! In John 6, Jesus is speaking to a crowd at the Sea of Capernaum...the crowd had been looking for Jesus and when they found Him Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal." The crowd of people were then asking Jesus questions about what they needed to do in order to do "good works" for the Lord...in which Jesus told them that they just needed to believe in the Holy one who was sent (Jesus) (vs. 29). Jesus continued in telling them about the "eternal" bread send from the Father which lasts forever and then they finally said "Sir, give us this bread always."

The crowd was seeking something that was lasting and would fulfill them, always. I am just picturing the crowd hanging on His every word, moving closer to Him as they are soaking in everything that He is telling them. I love that right after they said that to Jesus, He told them this; "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." I am now hanging on His every word...Jesus is simply and straight up saying that everything we need to survive is in the Lord, Jesus Christ...the Holy One who was sent from the Father. I immediately think of this scripture in Matthew, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am the gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matt. 11: 28-30. Throughout scripture, the Lord is constant in reminding us that, through Jesus, we will never thirst or have hunger pains again. As we continue to fill ourselves up with food from the world, we are left empty yet He is still faithful to us patient with us. Praising Jesus for his reminders daily and in His word to us, that as we live for His eternal glory He will provide every source we need to further His Kingdom! This brings me so much joy in my heart-truly confirming that as I seek Him with all of my heart, my soul, and my strength I will be FULL-completely satisfied...eternally stuffed...and so will you! :)

"If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, "Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." John 7:37b-38

God is just SO good!!! Have the most wonderful week-full of Jesus (no pun intended ;) )

God speaks...even at Mardel!

from Denton...

Yesterday, I had about an hour of time to kill before meeting a friend for dinner so I decided to go look around at Mardel Christian Bookstore. I have been there several times before but usually had something specific I needed and was in and out. This time, I had a WHOLE hour to browse around and take my time looking at all Mardel had to offer (which is A LOT, by the way). As I walked through the double doors it was as if there were Angels lined up on each side of me sounding off their trumpets...it was glorious! There were tons of nick-knacks, cards, journals, signs, books, bibles, and so much more...where do I even begin?!

After about 10 minutes of looking through some cards, I made my way over to the book/bible section! I got so excited to look around at books and maybe, just possibly, i'll find a new read! I approached the "Best sellers" shelf which was smack dab in the middle. The first book I noticed was "So long insecurities" by Beth Moore. I felt my arm reach out and grab the big hard back book with Beth Moore's beautiful face on the cover! I opened up the cover and started reading the first chapter, I was hooked. I thought to myself, "Lord knows I have insecurities...I bet this book will help me, Beth Moore...she's the woman and well I need this book." *sigh* I also saw the sale sticker right in front of my eyes, so I thought this must be a sign. I placed the book back down because the "For Women" section caught my eye...I scurried over. I immediately was drawn to a pink book that had a devotional attached which was all about giving our whole hearts to the Lord..."Well, I'm learning daily to give my whole heart to the Lord...this must be a great devotional to get...I need this one." I looked up to see another book with a girl dancing on the cover "OH, I love to dance!" so I grabbed that one. I looked to my right and saw the "single" section. "Well, I'm single!! Maybe there is a great book on waiting!" Finally, after a minute of wanting to just plop down in the middle of the aisle out of feelings of being completely overwhelmed I placed all of the books back in their place.

In the midst of being overwhelmed I started to feel a sense of comfort and what felt like an embrace. I started to feel the Holy Spirit surround me, like it was my dad about to sit me down to have a heart-to-heart...you know the kind. In the Lord's quiet and gentle whisper I heard the Lord say: "My Kristen, these books are wonderful. Infact, most all of the books that you picked up were books probably written through my Spirit, as I gave them words to speak and write down. BUT I have something greater for you than these books. They would be great books to read and be encouraged by but right now I have something greater for you. My Child, I have given you my Word, my love letter from me to you. All that you are searching for in those books...all that you may need "help" with...you will find in my Word, and oh so much more! Take just your bible (no other book, no devotional, and no commentary) and go to a quiet place. I will speak to you through my Word, I will meet you there and I will equip you with all you need. I love you and I have plans for you. I desire your whole heart-Seek Me and I will be with you...I will speak to you and provide all you need. I will totally fill your heart."

Wow, I can't argue with that.

Now, I am overwhelmed with so many different emotions. This might be kind of a weird analogy but I am going to take it there. I remember the first time I was kissed on the forehead. Something about being kissed on the forehead, a sensitivity and assurance...feeling deeply cared for and protected, especially from my dad! I was just kissed on the forehead by my heavenly Father. He spoke to me. He cares for me and He definitely has my best interest at heart. I just couldn't help but smile and do a little dance in the middle of mardel.

I walked out of Mardel with a joyful heart, a gentle glow, and a gift for a friend. By far, the BEST visit to Mardel...ever. Thank you Jesus :)

"Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart...with my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart..." Pslam 119:2; 10-11a