tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73635708407275227282024-03-12T19:42:31.188-07:00The Lost Get FoundSavannah Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16517852685475064534noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363570840727522728.post-44538064861264915362011-07-08T11:11:00.000-07:002011-07-08T11:11:50.192-07:00The pursuit of happiness..Hello again!! I have been writing in my journal SO much lately and am happy to have found the time to finally put some of it into my blog today [before I go to the beach (= haha!] GOSH I have SO much to say!!!! Can I start by simply saying that I am blessed beyond my own understanding..and to the worlds' perspective I may not look abnormally blessed but boy is that wrong. I have woken up every day in these past few weeks knowing that no matter what is to come, my joy cannot and will not be taken. Everything in this life is shaky, always changing, coming and going- materialistic things that we gain and lose, and relationships that we enter into and due to being human- are not 100% stable. Through all of this there is only one thing that is never changing- never failing, and that is the Lord. His love for us is perfect. And as I've been digging into the word lately He has been putting the word 'happiness' on my heart, so that is what I am going to share..<div><br />
</div><div>I was talking to a friend last night about how at times I think that people see me as a little looney..okay maybe REALLY looney haha! I am constantly smiling, constantly just in awe of what God is doing in my life..I mean, how can you not smile at that (=? Psalm 119:35 says "Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found." SO simple yet profound. Walking hand in hand along this path with the Lord, I am walking in His commands..and so often we try to do things on our own, what WE think is good for us. But do we really even know what is good for us? I think that we definitely have discernment from what is right and wrong, but in the plan making for our lives- I've learned to leave it up to the 'Big Man.' How can I think that I know better than the one who intricately designed and created me, what is best for my life? So in that, because He knows us so well, what He has in store for our lives ultimately is going to make us the happiest..People search forever for happiness and yet hardly ever find it. It's as simple as laying your own plans down before the Lord and wanting His will. The word says: "Happy are those who fear the Lord. Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what He commands." We delight in doing what He commands, because what He commands us to do ultimately brings us happiness. Haha ahhhh He loves us so much! It's a win/win situation, and really it seems too simple but that's the way He works!</div><div><br />
</div><div>I love how 1 Peter 1:8 states; "Though you do not see Him, you trust Him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy." Trust that what He has planned is better than you could ever imagine for yourself..He wants you to be the happiest possible in the journey of life- that's what makes Him happy.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Breathing in His beauty with every breath (=,</div><div>Savannah</div><div><br />
</div><div> </div>Savannah Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16517852685475064534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363570840727522728.post-88894384916129359472011-06-17T11:58:00.000-07:002011-06-17T11:58:39.202-07:00The weaker I get, the stronger I become.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi everyone!!! It's been far too long since the last time I've blogged any of my writing, and for all the crazy things that have been occurring I feel the need to finally share (=! So here goes..</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These past couple of months-but really narrowed down to the past couple of weeks, have been insane. Insanely bad to an outside perspective, however insanely</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> beautiful</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to me..This is my restoration process-a refining process that has a purpose greater than I can even see. My life up until this point has been a grand adventure, one of which I have tried on my own efforts to conduct all too often..and now it is time to lay my plans and ideas down and really seek my purpose in being here. Haha oh MAN God is good! I just want to shout it out on the rooftops how unfailing His love really is! In the past two weeks I have been stripped of everything seemingly important; my iPhone was stolen (you really don't realize how much you rely on those things until they're gone,) my car has broken down multiple times, my wallet was thought to be in an impound somewhere in LA area..The first thing that comes to mind, a whirlwind of </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">emotions</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and "why God?" But emotions are tricky and the flesh can lead you astray. So the Lord showed me that even an honest man inside and out who was completely devoted to Him (Job 1:1,) was put through trials. I'm going to go out on a limb in saying this, but I see now that it is much easier when you are "comfortable" to talk to God and have a "good relationship" with Him..</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And as it says in the book of Job, "Satan retorted, "So do you think Job does all that out of the sheer goodness of his heart? Why, no one ever had it so good! You pamper him like a pet, make sure nothing bad ever happens to him or his family or his possessions, bless everything he does—he can't lose!" </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This ties in SO many different things, but mainly showing that from satans' perspective- better yet the Worlds' perspective-of course it's easy to praise God when you have it "so good." But when those hardships come, and everyone is watching you-wondering what you did to deserve such a horrible fate-THAT'S when the most beautiful thing happens. I have trusted more in the Lord then I EVER have before through this storm, and when He shows up in each place I'm at and I can rest in Him knowing that He's with me each step of the way there leaves no room for fear..the fear that satan tries to instill in your mind knowing how your <u>flesh</u> will react. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I've been sad, and mad..I've cried and yelled and asked just like an honest man asked so long ago; "why God??" But as He has drawn me closer and closer, knowing His plan has always been greater than mine, I (alike Job) have apologized for second guessing Him. I'm embracing this journey and know that He will give me just enough light for each step of the way. If Satan sees me as such a threat, HALLELUJAH! I'm taking this stand and holding hands with my Creator the whole entire way (=!! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ohh I wish I could go on and on about every detail of this journey because of how amazing it has been..But I'll leave some for next time. To end-I love how 1 Peter 4:19 reads in the message;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"If good people barely make it, </span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's in store for the bad?<br />
<i>So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said, take it in stride</i>. Trust him. He knows what He's doing, and He'll keep on doing it."</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trusting Him more than ever,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Savannah (=</span></span></div></div>Savannah Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16517852685475064534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363570840727522728.post-6433892585827235572010-11-10T11:53:00.000-08:002010-11-10T11:53:50.227-08:00Beautifully BrokenThis morning is a BEAUTIFUL morning in Seattle. Funny because as much as I didn't think I missed Seattle while I was in Ventura, coming back to the cold crisp air and pea coat/scarf/boot season makes me just soo in love! It's been a little bit since I've blogged but I have had SO much going on and the Lord still hasn't brought me that Mac (haha wishful thinking**.) I'm back in Washington for now, and while Ventura was an AMAZING adventure and I love what is happening down there, that's not where God wants me planted at this time. SO I'm home and God is doing a lot of work in my heart and who knows what this new season entails. He has been really speaking to me, and I wanted to share my devotional from this morning..<br />
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He says: " What you may see as broken inside yourself, I see as beautiful. I am the one who makes beautiful things out of broken hearts. I am the same God who took a brokenhearted orphan named Esther (Esther 2:7 in the Bible) and turned her into a queen who saved my people. Just as I used Esther's pain for my purpose, I will not waste a single tear you have shed, my love. I can and will use whatever is broken in your life for my glory. My love and mercy will shine brightest in those broken places. I will not only use what is broken, I will rebuild you to become even better and more beautiful than you could ever imagine."<br />
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This was SO right on with what I have been going through lately.. I know that a lot of people that have come from broken homes or just have brokenness in general can feel inadequate. I feel like that a lot of times. I know God has a huge calling on my life, and I KNOW that I am called to ministry and He is going to use me for great things. But sometimes we compare ourselves to others and it can make us feel small. I don't have a foundation from a Christian home, and I haven't grown up in the church-I also haven't gone through years of discipleship training or Bible school. I'm not perfect..and I'm still broken. But God sees beauty in that, and through my brokenness He will be glorified. I am moldable, and shapable..and this is it-this is life here and now and as the Bible says "we can't put Gods kingdom off until tomorrow, seize the day." I am 20 years old and building my foundation and being rebuilt and refined day by day. I am ready for what God has in store for me and I can't wait for the relationships that are going to be built and the roots that are going to be planted. I guess what I want people to get from this is that God can use us in ANY season in our lives, and what we may see as broken, He sees beauty in. Everything we go through is building a testimony and will be used for His divine purpose and calling on our lives.<br />
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As you take on this day and the rest of the week, I pray that you will walk with your head held high knowing that God sees so much beauty in you and He sees not what your circumstances are or what you've been through, but your heart and your potential..<br />
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Beautifully broken,<br />
SavannahSavannah Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16517852685475064534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363570840727522728.post-66059732792672220772010-10-31T17:13:00.000-07:002010-10-31T17:13:22.569-07:00HE will fight. You need only to be still.SO sorry that I have not blogged more! It has been a crazy past couple of weeks and God has been doing some amazing things. I finally have had a second to get to a computer and share some stuff. To start out, I KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that this is where I am supposed to be. He has some big plans for me, ad has shown me that every little thing He has put inside of me is there for this exact purpose. I have met amazing people already, and built relationships in the past two weeks that I have been searching for my whole life. He took me through trials and tribulations before this new season to prepare me. I learned how to be a best friend, and how to love on girls rather than pick them a part. I learned what I need in a husband, and until then to rely on God. I learned a lot of things, and still am day by day. He is building me up as His warrior-and I couldn't feel more at home.<br />
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City Church Ventura is growing beautifully, and I know that the Lord is really moving throughout this city. In addition to the growth and radical movements of Gods glory in Ventura, Melissa (my twin/destined best friend) and I have been along side with a non profit organization in LA called the Dream Center. (For more information on it go to <a href="http://www.dreamcenter.org/">www.dreamcenter.org</a> .)<br />
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I REALLY want to add more, and have SOOOO much more to say but am running out the door to work with Red Eye ( a branch of the Dream Center) tonight (Halloween) in LA. We will be encountering a lot of spiritual warfare and will need your covering and prayers. I will be posting our experience later so stay tuned.<br />
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Walking with His armor at all times,<br />
SavannahSavannah Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16517852685475064534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363570840727522728.post-29574115047711065012010-10-17T14:00:00.000-07:002010-10-17T14:00:34.422-07:00No limitations!Hello everyone!! I'm officially a California girl! I'm about an hour out of Ventura (=! I had my devotionals this morning with the Lord and felt like I needed to share. As we headed out this morning everything finally set in. I realized really how much I am stepping out of my boat, and trusting that the Lord will provide EVERYTHING I need! Exciting but also a bit scary, these are the times I believe that really build your faith!<br />
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So this is what I was given this morning:<br />
"Chosen child ! I pray that you will be given dreams beyond your comprehension, and that you will have the faith to see them through. May you never put the Lord your God in a box. May you truly know that nothing is impossible with Him it you are faithful. I pray that He will use you to do things<br />
that you could never imagine , and that you will take the first step toward greatness by giving your loving father everything you have to give. May all of your adventures with Him be blessed."<br />
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Talk about exactly what I needed to hear! I am so thankful for the iPhone that allows me to post anywhere that I am! I'm believing that if this blog is a part of my ministry that God is going to bless me with a working laptop! Maybe a Mac Lord? (=! Like this says, never put God in s box! He is SO much bigger than we can imagine! So I'm taking the step out, and giving Him everything I have to give..And I can't wait to see what this new journey beholds! <br />
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Knowing His ways are far beyond anything I could imagine (Isaiah 55:48),<br />
SavannahSavannah Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16517852685475064534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363570840727522728.post-54334293141365797392010-10-12T09:56:00.000-07:002010-10-12T09:57:00.000-07:00Just enough light for the step you're onGood morning (=!!!! And what a GREAT morning it is too, I drove to work and it was absolutely beautiful, one of those fall crisp mornings where you can see the blue skies ahead but there is that dewy foggy-ness haha! I love it! This is what I'll miss about Seattle, THIS is my favorite time of year. <br />
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So the Lord gave me Proverbs 19:20-21 today; <br />
"Take good counsel and accept correction-that's the way to live wisely and well<br />
We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God's purpose prevails!"<br />
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SO true. We as humans try to figure everything out on our own and plan our lives out according to what society says is appropriate, or even people that are close to us, such as friends or our parents. I don't know about you, but normally when I find myself doing this I've stressed myself out to the max, trying to please everyone and make sure people think what I'm doing with my life is acceptable. I'm not going to college. I'm not starting my own business. I don't know EXACTLY what I want to do with my life, or how I'll make a living. I'm not a 100% sure about the future at all. But I'm not worried about it one bit, what I am sure of is that the Lord has it under control. "God's purpose prevails" Proverbs says, He has a plan and a purpose for each and every one of us. He has so intricately programmed us for what He has in store for our lives, all of our giftings He has a purpose for. And when you are in allignment with His will for you not only are your blessings countless as the sand, but you start to understand what your talents are to be used for, and you grow in them! <br />
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So take each day one step at a time and don't stress out about tomorrow, He has it in control (=<br />
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SavannahSavannah Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16517852685475064534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363570840727522728.post-84007938093444867912010-10-09T12:19:00.000-07:002010-10-09T12:19:58.227-07:00Surprised to be loved..What an amazing morning (=! I am so blessed this morning and want to share what the Lord has given me. It starts with just the amazing unconditional love he has for his children. 2 Samuel 22:20 is the verse of the day. It states: "-he rescued me because he delighted in me." The bible talks SO much about how he takes delight in us, we are his children-we bring him joy!!! There is not a more proud pappa on Earth. It also says "he rescued me"..He RESCUED me. He comes to the rescue when we need him. We look up to him as his children and he picks us up, pulling us out of our circumstances. Sometimes we need to go through hard times, times of trial and tribulation that make us stronger. But when we are drowning in the ocean of hate, the JUNK that this world throws at us and we feel lost and alone THAT'S when he steps in..There have been times when I feel like everything that could go wrong has and no one can fully understand the pain I'm feeling, and then I literally feel him pull me up and hold me and show me how mighty he is. He holds me close and says "I LOVE YOU, it's going to be okay." He wants to comfort us, he above anyone knows EXACTLY what we are going through and he doesn't want to see us hurt from satans attempts to break us down..<br />
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The message version of 2 Samual 22:17-20 blew me away this morning..<br />
"But me he caught-reached all the way from the sky to sea;<br />
<u>He pulled me out of the ocean of hate</u>, that enemy chaos,<br />
the void in which I was DROWNING.<br />
They hit me when I was down,<br />
but God stuck by me..<br />
He stood me up on a wide open field<br />
<em>I stood there saved-surprised to be loved</em>."<br />
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Ahhh amen amen amen! Stand in the wide open field knowing that you can be saved by him and only him, let him surprise you with his blessings and his love!!!!<br />
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In awe of his bountiful love every day,<br />
SavannahSavannah Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16517852685475064534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363570840727522728.post-10452510238890814632010-10-03T11:26:00.000-07:002010-10-03T11:26:09.078-07:00POTENTIAL.To start out, a couple years ago I listened to a sermon by Myles Munroe and was completely blown away. It spoke to me so much that my second tattoo was inspired by it.."Die Empty." So yesterday I had an encounter with a guy that came into my work and we started talking and I later told him about my tattoo. I told him he HAD to listen to the sermon, and how amazing it was. (On a side note, the Lord is calling me to move down to Ventura, CA to help plant the City Church down there-and will be leaving in about 12 days-so during the moving process my things are sort of everywhere ha!) So when I told him I would try and find the CD I didn't really have any clue where it was and I put finding it on the back burner of my priorities. Well it's funny because sometimes YOUR priorities are not at all in allignment with Gods priorities. So I was going through some clothes last night and getting rid of a couple boxes of random junk and found a CD case of this "Tao" relaxation music. I was going to throw it away and went to check if there was anything in it first and there it was; the 2006 GC Gathering CD of Myles Munroes sermon. Talk about the Lord showing me my priorities. So I listened to it this morning at work, and WOW is all I can say..it is SO powerful. <br />
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There was one main thing God spoke to me and wanted me to share. Myles talks about potential, and how we are all seeds and IN us is the potential of a forest. He put everything inside of us, that is where our future lies. Books that we are supposed to write, or businesses we are meant to start, dreams and ideas that are meant to be! And in order for that seed to come out we need to be in an environment that helps our seed to grow. Can a seed grow in a glass of alcohol? No!! It will corrode the seed and it will never have a chance to become the forest it had the POTENTIAL to be!!!! Or in a bag of bacteria? The bacteria will feed on the seed and kill it! If we put ourselves around people that satan places in our lives to corrode our seed then it will never become that forest! Satan kills seeds. He wants to get to us before we unleash any of our potential, our "forest". He goes after the YOUTH because it is easier for him to destroy a seed before it starts to grow. He's afraid of what you are carrying in your seed, he knows that it's something great. <br />
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In Ephesians 3:20 it states: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to HIS POWER THAT IS AT WORK WITHIN US." HIS power is in us, Galations 2:20 says "Christ who lives in me." We have SO much potential in us and I for one want to Die Empty. I came on this Earth fully loaded with words that need to be spoken and people that need to be touched and I want to go to my grave an empty shell. Satan will not stand in the way of my seed growing into a forest and I pray that for all of your seeds as well..<br />
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Is your seed in a glass surrounded by bacteria corroding it, or a bed of dirt with people to water it and watch it grow? <br />
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Unleashing my potential and growing my seed day by day,<br />
Savannah (=Savannah Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16517852685475064534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363570840727522728.post-8098494759917042672010-09-19T10:42:00.000-07:002010-09-19T10:42:43.901-07:00Out of these ashes beauty will rise!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_akPcRs9CUlc/TJY_LpfT1sI/AAAAAAAAACI/4ADDUdo1YSs/s1600/untitled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" qx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_akPcRs9CUlc/TJY_LpfT1sI/AAAAAAAAACI/4ADDUdo1YSs/s320/untitled.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Out of any circumstance there can come beauty.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A diamond in the rough just waiting to be picked up-</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Waiting for someone to notice it's beauty..</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">To be dusted off and be something of importance</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">To be valued and seen as precious..</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Not just another rock</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We spend our time searching for that special feeling</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Looking side to side to others for the feeling of importance, acceptance-</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Wanting to know that we are valued and beautiful..</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">But it's strangly unsatisfying.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In the worlds standards we are never good enough,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And our flesh is never satisfied.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All we ever had to do was look up</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">HE knows every detail-</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Physically.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Emotionally.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Spiritually.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He knows the good, and the bad</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And yet He accepts us and values us</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He holds us in His right hand as diamonds and says:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"You're beautiful, you are like nothing else I have</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">EVER created, you are precious and beautiful</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">you are </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">my BELOVED."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's what was put on my heart today..I feel like it's always so hard to grasp the fact that no matter what, that is how God looks at us, as precious diamonds. I wish more people could grab on to that, especially women. In this world it is SO hard to be a woman, always feeling compared as well as comparing ourselves. But we are so unique, all so different and beautiful..He is the one who makes us beautiful, the one who paid the price for our beauty and we need to see ourselves as He sees us!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I challenge us all to pick something that we like about ourselves and amidst all of the negativity, focus on that today. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Beautifully His,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Savannah</span></div>Savannah Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16517852685475064534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363570840727522728.post-77553601257900869522010-08-10T10:38:00.000-07:002010-08-10T10:38:29.282-07:00Standing Firm..<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well it is about time that I start blogging again, it is quite overdue! The Lord speaks to me so clearly through passages in His word, and I NEED to write them down and share with everyone! So this morning it's in the book of Colossians. Which is an amazing book if I might add. But the small verse that I am camping on today is Colossians 4:12. In the message it goes on to say: "praying that you'll stand firm, mature and confident in everything God wants you to do." I know, SUPER small right? But sometimes those verses are the ones that can teach us the most! Like one of my previous blogs entitled "Love Like That," which I actually got as my very first tattoo in the beginning of July! THAT'S how much of an impact it had on me. And now every time I look at my foot I think of the CRAZY unconditional love that Jesus has for us, and no matter how undeserving we are He continues to love us selflessly..expecting absolutely nothing in return. I personally want that to be my goal for the rest of my life-to TRY and love like that!!!! Anyways (=, back to Colossians..When we are in tune with God, He makes it very clear exactly what He wants us to do in each season. Just enough information and light for the step your on, so that you can take it step by step and really make sure that what you're doing is in allignment with His will. But sometimes we find it hard to do what He is asking of us..which is weird because I know and believe so strongly that when we do the outcome is more than we can even imagine. <span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">His blessings for us are countless.</span> Our flesh always gets in the way, our emotions try and take over and we act and react off of them too often..Why is it SO hard to put what we want or what we think we want aside and focus on what HE wants for us! It's so much better than we could even imagine for ourselves! And through my experience and some of the things I am going through, I have realized that when we go off of our emotions we tend to settle..because maybe it's comfortable or we think that's all we really deserve. BUT IT'S NOT! THAT'S the thing!!!!!! He wants to give us SOOO much more, a much more fulfilling life and He wants to surround us with people that push us to be better, not people that bring us down, or don't appreciate us for the gems we are. So as we hear and know what the Lord wants from us, I pray that we can "stand firm, mature and confident in everything God wants [us] to do." And in Him we have the strength to do it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Colossians 1:9 in the Message says "We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that's it, I pray you have the strength to stand firm and the wisdom to know that there is a life filled with countless blessings waiting for you. Why not step into that life now, what are you waiting for?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until next time, I'll be "loving like that", like Jesus loves(=</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Savannah</span>Savannah Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16517852685475064534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363570840727522728.post-18076161022907375712010-02-08T09:11:00.000-08:002010-02-08T09:11:25.398-08:00Temptation<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay so I haven't written in quite sometime, so I am feeling like I need to share my thoughts of the morning =). I LOVE my time with Jesus in the morning, He always speaks exactly what I need to hear for each day! SO the word says: "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.." I think this is one line speaks soo much, He says WATCH, meaning stay alert-keep your eyes open. You know those times when you are so on fire for God, things are so good and you're on a Jesus high, you feel so strong, so alert and able to resist all temptation..It's so easy to slowly slip back into every day life and not realize your focus has shifted. When we aren't paying attention, a door can open even the slightest bit, and that's where Satan creeps in..he knows our weaknesses! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Bible says: "If you think you are strong, you should be careful not to fall. The only temptation that has come to you is that which everyone has. <span style="color: purple;">But you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted, He will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able to stand it</span>!" (1 Corinthians 10:12-13) I am so thankful that He is there with us through everything, picking us up when we fall! So stay away from those situations that your weaknesses are most vulnerable in, and stay alert! Seek the Lord in everything, He has a perfect plan for your life, and all Satan wants to do is run you off course!! He wants to see you fail, and be miserable! I never knew how important warfare praying was until recently, but we have that authority over Satan through Jesus! So let's speak it, he has no hold over us, the battle was already WON!!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Have a BEAUTIFUL day =)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Savannah</span>Savannah Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16517852685475064534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363570840727522728.post-55992345030080577212010-01-21T09:50:00.000-08:002010-01-21T09:50:43.814-08:00Looking To Him<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Oh my goodness, I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for this day!</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">He continues to just amaze me each and every day, it's so hard to have a bad day knowing HE is in control =)! Well I was reading the word this morning and wanted to share what God gave me! It's in the message, Matthew 10:34..and it states: "Don't think I've come to make life cozy. I've come to cut-make a sharp knife-cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law-cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies. If you prefer father or mother over me, you don't deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don't deserve me. If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me. <span style="color: purple;"> If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll NEVER find yourself.</span> <span style="color: purple;"> But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me.</span> We are intimately linked in this harvest work. Anyone who accepts what you do accepts me, the One who sent you..This is a large work I've called you onto, but don't be overwhelmed by it. It's best to start small!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Can I first say that I just LOVE the book of Matthew! It is sooo good! Basically Jesus is saying that He is going to push you, things aren't always going to be easy..sometimes following Him means turning away from friends or even family members, but He will be there to deliver you! And "you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!!!" He's saying put yourself aside, your flesh aside, and look to me-only then will you find yourself! It's definitely easier said than done..but when you finally lay it all down and focus on Him, that's when you discover who you really are! And you see all that you were made to be, the gifts God has put inside of you..I've discovered more things about myself in the past few months of walking with the Lord than I've ever known! And he slowly reveals to you why He gave you each talent or gift, but it's all in His timing! So just be patient..and seek Him in everything that happens throughout life, because He has a purpose for everything =)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">LOVE LOVE LOVE,</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Savannah</span>Savannah Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16517852685475064534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363570840727522728.post-69799132812797760022010-01-15T09:44:00.000-08:002010-01-15T09:44:57.232-08:00All Things New!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So as I was driving to work this morning, I was listening to Tenth Avenue North (an amazing band by the way,) and I heard a song on my Ipod that I've never heard before..I looked up the lyrics and wanted to share part of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"well you've been a mistress, my wife</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">chasing lovers it won't satisfy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">won't you let me make you my bride</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">you will drink of my lips </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">and taste NEW LIFE.."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I first want to point out, "chasing lovers it won't satisfy." WOW! It's so true, we look all around us for the approval and confirmation from others. Each and every person on this Earth is damaged..a hole in our heart that we try to fill with "things" or people. And one thing that I've learned recently is that "things" and people won't make the hurt go away, it's only a temporary distraction..But HE on the other hand! God fills that hole, He is the dad you never had, the friend you've been longing for, the best boyfriend! He ALWAYS listens, He thinks your beautiful, His blessing for you are countless..He is something that no human being can be for you. And when you realize this, you find that the expectations you've had for everyone around have been too high! We are just people, we aren't perfect, we sin, we will let others down..He is the only one that won't. So look to Him for the confirmation and attention, He EXCEEDS your expectations!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And finally, the last part of the song which says "and taste new life" is SO good. Revelation 21:4 says: "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new." This is one of the verses I thrive off of, He makes ALL things new, so whatever is in the past is in the past..Today is a new day! So let's put the past behind and SEIZE THE DAY! How can you be a blessing in someones life today? What giftings has God given you, how can you use them for His glory today? Have an amazing and beautiful day =)..</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Until next time,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Savannah</span>Savannah Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16517852685475064534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7363570840727522728.post-62676007422395509092010-01-01T11:50:00.000-08:002010-01-03T22:00:07.921-08:00Love like that!<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay so this is my very first blog post!!! Haha I'm so excited =)..Just a little intro, my name is Savannah-I journal just about every day, and I have been writing some pretty awesome stuff and decided to blog some of it to share with everyone! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here goes =)..so last night I pulled out my message bible and got an amazing word! It's in Ephesians chapter 5, and it states: "He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself TO us. Love like that." And then in scripture, Ephesians 5:2 says "I will walk in love."</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What I got from this was that the word "love" is used so much in our society..but I feel like no one really knows quite what love is, or how to love for that matter. Jesus loved fiercely. He wasn't trying to satisfy himself by doing it, he was doing it for us! His whole life was for us, he DIED for us! That's some amazing love..I want to love like that! I think that when you put yourself aside, your flesh aside, and really try to see people through His eyes-that's when the love starts to flow. It's not always easy, but the bible says we are to "love our neighbors as we love ourselves" (Mark 12:31) and as much as we live our lives for ourselves I would say we love ourselves a lot..so where is the love for our neighbors? I challenge you to reassess how you treat people, whether it be out loud or even in thoughts..Even though the people may not hear them, God does-and He ultimately is the one who judges. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So praise the Lord that the past is the past, and today is a new day! Live it to the fullest and love fiercely! We are ALL His children, and everyone has a different story-we just don't take the time to hear it. You never know what someone may have gone through a year ago, or maybe even yesterday. Let's make 2010 an incredible year, and try to be more like Jesus =)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until next time, LOVE LOVE</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Savannah</span> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Savannah Maehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16517852685475064534noreply@blogger.com4