My Blue T-shirt

I have a blue t-shirt that has a big yellow sun on it that is smiling and says "E-Z Mart & Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay '95". The material is all thinned out because it is so old and worn out. It is one of those t-shirts thats too big and feels so comfy and good all wrapped around me. One day many years ago back in 1997, my life had reached an all time low. I was in a relationship that was unhealthy and the poor guy I was in it with had his own set of problems. He was a good guy, we were just bad together. My parents had been divorced for going on two years after an 18 year marriage. My entire world had fallen apart (at least it seemed that way) back then. I had a had a fight with this guy and all I wished for was relief from this horrible pain that I felt inside. I ran to my daddy's apartment just hoping he could save me. My daddy and I had sort of a strained relationship at this time because of the divorce and I really didn't know how to talk to him. I had been really angry with him. I ran to my daddy that day and nearly threw myself in his arms just balling my eyes out. I had no where to go and it felt like no one to turn to. My daddy hugged me and let me cry. I remember I got mascara all over his shirt. He wiped my tears away and tried to encourage me in some way....I can't remember now what he said...but the one thing I do remember is that my daddy pulled out this old blue t-shirt and gave it to me with a pair of his shorts that had a draw string and let me use his shower. I cried and cried during that shower and got it all out. I will never forget how good that blue t-shirt felt when I got out and put it on with my daddys shorts. This event was a turning point in my life. It was shortly after this incident that I gave my life to the Lord at the age of 19 years old. There is some sort of magic in that shirt. Even now when I wear it I reminded of how God mends relationships, how he hugs you when you need a hug, and how he always makes a way for you to get to Him. Thank you Lord for my blue t-shirt.

Colossians and stuff

Okay....I have been reading Colossians....man its a good little short book full of wisdom and guidance. I came across a particular scripture in this book and I just thought it was so good...Colossians 3:10. It is so elementary and basic and plain...but yet such a good reminder. It says.."In it's place YOU have clothed YOURSELF with a brand new nature that is CONTINUALLY BEING RENEWED as YOU learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you." What this spoke to me was Jesus is the one who created this new nature within me...but it is up to me to get up everyday and put that particular "outfit" on. I could choose to put on an old outfit that is more comfortable but doesn't really look as nice. Or I could get up every morning and clothe myself with this new outfit that makes me look my best and fits just right! And the great thing is that everyday is another new outfit...because I am continually being renewed....I have to make the choice though as to what I am going to wear everyday. How do we get renewed? The word of God...reading it and getting a little food in our bellies so that we are not malnourished lacking what we need to survive and flourish...I don't know about you...but I will strive everyday to wear my best and get to know Him a little better everyday.

Small Group for my girls...

I am starting a small group for some of our teenage girls...I wish I could invite all the girls, but if I did that then our "small" group wouldn't be "small" anymore. So, for now I am inviting a handful of girls to start things off. I am so excited about how God is going to help these precious girls grow their relationship with Him in a much deeper way. It is going to be lots of fun and I can't wait to get started. So starting May 22, 2006 on a Monday night at 6pm at my house will begin our first small group for our teenage girls only. Remember girls....just bring yourself, your favorite pillow and be ready to have fun, worship, and get to know eachother!