Journal Entry October 5, 2010, Hong Kong

So I met a man last night while we were taking food to the homeless people. His name is Charles... I think. He talked to me and Ash. We couldn’t understand him very well, but with the help of a translator, he shared with us how he just got out of 25 years in prison. His crime? He’d decapitated a man with a switchblade because the man was hitting on his girlfriend... I think I had a mini heart-attack. He went on to share how in his tenth year of this prison sentence the Fook Lam Church Pastor began to visit him every week and by his 12th year, he was radically saved and began a ministry in the prison.

Somehow I got stuck on the fact that he’d killed someone. He didn’t look like a killer, dressed nice, wide smile, very outgoing... But he was, he decapitated a man. (I hate that word; decapitated). For a total of about ten seconds I stood there almost mad at him... But then a still small voice reminded me that he is loved as well, as much as me. (Why do I think sometimes that I’m loved more than some people because of how good I am or how much I do or haven’t done? Oh brother, Monica!) I began to pray in my heart. And suddenly I was filled with excitement for what God had done in and through this man, who had committed such an ugly crime. But then... That’s my God. 

While in prison he lost contact with his daughter because his girlfriend had severed all connections. He desperately wanted to find her. I told him I would pray. He also told me he needs a job. I told him I would pray. And he told me he needs a new house. I told him I would pray. Wow... Better get on that!!! 

FOOK LAM CHURCH 

Every Tuesday night, come what may, this small congregation of people will be out on the streets. Physically and spiritually embracing the lowest of the low. What an inspiration they’ve been to me. I’ve been so humbled. They know the names and stories of every person. They know exactly when and where to find them. They feed, encourage, embrace (yes, HUG), pray and simply hang out with these people. Something nobody does. 

Here’s an example of this crazy love:

It was midnight. We (the YWAMers) were getting tired, but the people of the FLC were going strong. Looking for a man named... we’ll say Hon Si. He wasn’t in his usual spot. As we were walking a voice called from the other side of the wide road. It was him. He used an old folding chair for a walker. His hair was very thin, but long and stringy. He wore a long jacket to his feet, it was stained and just looked like it wreaked. With an exhausting effort he raised an arm in greeting and began to push his chair across the road - NOT paying any attention to what was coming. Down the road a huge truck rumbled his way. It honked, but as you’d know if you’ve been to HK, it was not going to slow down. Especially not for this individual. Would he be hit? We stood frozen, horrified. I’m glad someone was thinking. The pastor ran out into the street. He scooped the man up and ran out of the way of the truck just in time. In that moment I saw Jesus. And I cried. 

This is what it means to be His hands and feet. 

"Father, give me eyes that see need. Give me a heart to respond and hands to literally give love. No matter how uncomfortable the situation. Jesus did. And I want to be like Him. But I'll need help. Be at work in my heart, Holy Spirit. You are great. I love You. Amen." 

Another Psalm of Monica

In front of me stood a mountain.

You told it to move. 

Behind me demons screamed. 

You told them to be quiet

Over me hung regrets.

You told them to be gone. 

Under me the ground threatened to open and eat me. 

You told it to be still. 

You surround me now.

You go before me like a pillar of fire.

You guard my back like a shield.

You cover me with Your Blood.

And you make sure my steps.

You surround me now.

I will not be afraid. 

I will not come out from under Your wings. 

A voice whispered lies in my head.

You raised Your voice louder.

A cold hand of fear gripped my arm. 

Your warm hands embraced my heart.

A rope of confusion  waited to trip me. 

You cut it with Your peace.

A knife of discouragement stabbed at my chest.

Your love healed me, encouraged me.

You surround me now. 

You tell me I’m beautiful, I’m dear.

You hold me when I’m insecure. 

You calm my storm.

You wrap me in love and dry my tears. 

You surround me now. 

I will not be afraid. 

I will not come out from under Your wings.

I will not. 

Here I am love.

And I am free. 

A Hike ~ October 1, 2011

For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills will break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12 

The early morning air was crisp and clean. I was eager to be out in the mountains. Good thing too, the hike was twenty miles and would take all day. I was ready. I was going out with joy. 

Every color was more vivid up there. The mountains, looking purple, with deep green fir trees and aspens that appeared to be ablaze, stood erect against the bright blue sky. 

My steps were sure. My breath even. 

This is the day that the Lord has make, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

At every turn in the path my eyes saw another small wonder. A crimson berry, a purple pinecone, a green snake. Small things. Was there anything ugly out there? No, I saw no ugly thing. 

“I love you God. I love that You love beauty. You must be good... You are good. Oh my word God! Look at that flower! Oh... You made that, You know it’s there. I love Indian Paintbrushes... I wish I could pick one. But technically that’s illegal, and anyway, what would I do with it? I may as well let it grow... Good idea? Yes, ok. Check out the color of that tree’s leaves? They’re like highlighter yellow and orange!...” 

These kinds of conversations with God went on either in my head or quiet whispers all morning. 

By noon the sun was on us, shining bright on my shoulders. Warm and gentle. 

“I love the sun. I love light. What if it was dark all the time? I couldn’t see all this beauty. But then... There wouldn’t be all this beauty, because the sun is what makes it grow. Oh God, thank you for the sunshine.” 

Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. Genesis 1:3

Soon we came to the point we’d all been psyching ourselves up for. The mountain. Kathy said there were 59 switchbacks going up one side and down the other... And it looked like she was correct. At the bottom we drank water at the creek. The mountain stared down at us, daring us to climb. We took it. 

The beginning was the hardest. But soon it became mechanical... One foot in front of the other... 15, 16, 17...

 I looked up to the snow at the top, then down to the creek below. What an amazing cycle. The snow falls on the mountain, the mountain slowly gives it up to the creek below, which eventually flows to us to drink and wash and enjoy... Repeat every year. 

The mountains rose; they valleys sank down to the place which you established for them. You set a boundary that they may not pass over, so that they will not return to cover the earth. He sends forth springs in the valleys; they flow between the mountains; they give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they lift up their voices among the branches. Psalm 104:8-12

"I am provided for. Oh God thank You." 

My chest swelled and sank, my heart pounded. Sweat dripped and my face burned. Almost done. Keep walking. A cool breeze pulled the hair away from my face. 

“Oh that feels nice.” I said aloud, though no one was around. It was to God anyways. “Thanks” 

I heard a whoop. And a bark. Maddie and Malk had reached the top. And I was close. With that I received another burst of energy and before I new it I was sitting at the top enjoying an crunchy apple and a magnificent view. 

Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light! Praise Him, highest heavens, and the waters that are above the heavens! Psalm 148:1-3

All around us mountain peaks gawked at us face to face... As if to say, “Why are you up here? You shouldn’t be up here.” We laughed and stretched out and cooled down. 

Time to go. Time to get back. The second half we’d push. I swung my pack on and laced my shoe. I packed sunflower seeds in my cheeks and pockets. I was set. 

Mile after mile we walked, spread out. Dad in the front, long strides. Shel at his heels, cowboy hat pushed back. Maddie in the middle, pigtails coming out. Mom next, talking... always talking. Me, in the back, watching. These are the people I love most. The people who love me most. The people God placed me with. I love them. 

“And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters, to Me,” says the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:18

“God, thank You for my biological family. I love them... As Maddie would say, ‘I love us.” Haha... Yeah but thank You mostly for adopting me into Your family. For making me Your daughter and heiress. You are a wonderful Father. I am a blessed daughter.” 

Four miles to go. My feet hurt, but I still enjoyed every sight and sound and smell. We saw a moose family. A big bull, with a cow and two calves. They were so beautiful... and so close. We only looked at them and said hi... or at least I said hi. Then we were on our way. 

"Wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and maidens, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens" Psalm 148:10-13

I thought about those moose praising God. That’s what they do. That’s what they were created to do. So if they had voices, they’d praise God. Oh if only I could hear that. 

Two miles, one mile... We walked along a murmuring creek. The sun was sinking down behind distant, but not unfamiliar peaks.

...He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul... Psalm 23:2-3

I could see the bridge at the end. 

“Here we are Lord. I made it. Thank You for bringing us all the way safely. You are so good. I love You.” 

Yes, my legs were sore and my cheeks sunburnt. But it is so worth it to get out in creation. It does something for the soul. When I see the natural, rough beauty of Montana my heart fills with thankfulness for... well... everything. I am so blessed. My cup is full and overflowing. 

“Jesus, thank You. I love you.”

Let’s go again soon.

"America For Me"

Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933)

                      

    'TIS fine to see the Old World, and travel up and down
    Among the famous palaces and cities of renown,
    To admire the crumbly castles and the statues of the kings,—
    But now I think I've had enough of antiquated things.

           So it's home again, and home again, America for me!
           My heart is turning home again, and there I long to be,
           In the land of youth and freedom beyond the ocean bars,
           Where the air is full of sunlight and the flag is full of stars!

    Oh, London is a man's town, there's power in the air;
    And Paris is a woman's town, with flowers in her hair;
    And it's sweet to dream in Venice, and it's great to study Rome;
    But when it comes to living there is no place like home.

    

    I like the German fir-woods, in green battalions drilled;
    I like the gardens of Versailles with flashing fountains filled;
    But, oh, to take your hand, my dear, and ramble for a day
    In the friendly western woodland where Nature has her way!

   

    I know that Europe's wonderful, yet something seems to lack:
    The Past is too much with her, and the people looking back.
    But the glory of the Present is to make the Future free,—
    We love our land for what she is and what she is to be.

           Oh, it's home again, and home again, America for me!
           I want a ship that's westward bound to plough the rolling sea,
           To the bléssed Land of Room Enough beyond the ocean bars,
           Where the air is full of sunlight and the flag is full of stars

Something Great

I’ve been thinking... Everyone is born with the desire to do something great. Right? This is a natural response to the fact that we are created by a loving God who has a specific purpose for each one of us. However, sin turned our original inclination to be great for Him into an aspiration to want to do something great for our own benefit. Now we believe greatness is about who we are, what we have and where we go with our lives. Greatness is based off personal success. Fame, fortune, position, power... 

How do we decide what is great? Who defines it? The world would say this depends on the individual and their talents. Each person chooses a career they deem most honorable and most rewarding. This, more or less, is how we seek to fulfill our inborn determination to be great. But why be great? Because deep within every person questions stir. Why am I here? Where am I going? Who am I? By having a meaningful vocation we believe we are giving something to society. This makes us accepted, appreciated... even needed! It makes us more than just another person. 

At nineteen I am constantly being asked, “Now what are you doing?”

“College.” 

“Oh, for what? What are you going to do?” 

What am I going to do? I don’t know. Oh God, I don’t know what I’m going to do! I’m nineteen! What will I do? Pleeeease help me figure this out. I’m ninteeen. 

Yeah, I’m nineteen and I don’t have a specific occupation picked out. Is it too late for me to be great? Some people act like it is. But don’t worry... Because I’m not worried about gaining position, possession or pleasures! What I want is to discover my God-given purpose in this life and carry it out. The reason I was created. When I achieve this I will experience real joy and fulfillment. 

Have you ever met a person who has discovered their God-given purpose? They are marked by determination and confidence in knowing who they are, what they are doing now, and where they will end up. This is what I want. 

So what I have to do now is not ask, what to be, but who to be. I have to better understand the value of time and how today will effect tomorrow. I need to be relentless in pursuit of God and His will for my life. 

Ephesians 2:10 says, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God before ordained so we might walk in them.” I think this must mean before I was born He designated a series of works for ME to carry out. And I “walk in them.” Meaning as I finish one, the next opens up. I just have to trust Him.  Trust Him to open doors and open my eyes to see the open doors. 

I don’t want to set goals for my life with out God. I think when we do we set goals too low. Goals we know we can reach. I want goals I can’t reach without God. I want to always live completely dependent on Him because He promises that if I do He will give me the strength I need to get the job done. Yes please. 

Saint Francis of Assisi pretty well says it, “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury; pardon. Where there is doubt; faith. Where there is despair; hope. Where there is darkness; light. And where there is sadness; joy.” 

Just how? As I walk in Him daily, I pray and trust He will reveal. 

This is where I am. 

A Little Too Good Mac 'n' Cheese

60 degrees out. Shel and I decided today was a mac ‘n’ cheese day. “Cold-cut-sandwiches-or-salads-for-lunch-season” is out. Bring on the hot lunches, baby! What was going to be just plain jane homemade milk mac ‘n’ cheese turned into a dream come true... or a calorie nightmare. Jillian here I come! (for those of you who really know me, you’ll understand.) Hehe! Anyway, if you’re needing some inspiration for lunch today you should try this one out. Shel gave me “two thumbs and two big toes up!” 

A Little Too Good Mac ‘n’ Cheese

2 T. butter (I actually used bacon grease, better flavor)

4 T. flour

1 c. evaporated milk

1 c. 1% milk (or whatever you prefer)

2 c. sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1/2 c. jack cheese, grated

1/2 t. salt

1 1/2 t. taco season mix 

1/2 t. garlic powder

1 onion, diced

4 c. your pasta of choice, prepared

In a saucepan combine, butter, flour, milks and seasonings. Bring to a slow boil and stir until thick. Melt in the cheeses. Set aside. Sautee onion in EVOO or butter to your liking. Add to sauce. Finally toss in the pasta. I had some sausage to use so I tossed in some of that - which was amazing! That’s up to you tho. ENJOY! And happy fall!

Do You Remember?

September 11, 2001

In Billings, Montana the sky was grey and there was a cool breeze. I could finally wear my favorite long sleeve shirt. As I pulled over my head, I hoped my best friend would wear her's too - we'd match. 

The telephone rang. I crunched Chex with honey. 

"Hi..." my mom's bright smile melted, "What? Oh Jesus... Ok, I'm going to turn it on. Oh Jesus.. Just a minute."

I watched her turn the TV on. Her brow was furrowed. The phone was still pressed to her ear, but neither her or my aunt (who was on the other side of the line) said anything. She just stood there watching. Slowly, I made my way to her. 

Even the commentators on the news were quiet as we watched the live footage of the second plane fly into the second tower. 

I saw it. Evil. 

In the class room everyone was quiet. The lights were off. Miss Bloom, pressed folded hands to her lips as she listened to the radio on her desk. 

Cecily was not wearing the matching shirt. Jessie, who sat next to me, drew shapes on his desk with an eraser. 

The radio clicked off. Miss Bloom came to the front of the classroom and without any additional words, began to pray. And pray...  

That's all we could do. 

Pray.

Miss Bloom's voice quivered as she prayed. And my eyes filled with tears.

I was too young to fully comprehend what had just happened, but I remember understanding three things:

1) Someone had done this on purpose, killing himself in the process. Why? I wondered. This was real, not a movie or something. Why? Who would do that? Someone who didn't love Jesus, I thought.
2) It was real. . . There were tons of people dead and many of them probably didn't know Jesus. This realization rocked me. My little heart hurt.
3) George W. Bush, who my family had been so excited to have in office, would have a much bigger job on his hands than he had probably expected. I felt sorry for him.

This is history. This is in American history books. We pull through.

I am proud to be an American. But every 9/11 makes me so thankful for the promise I have in Christ. The hope. This world needs hope. We need Jesus. 

Forget, Move On

Look, look, look at the moon 

Don't stop talking

Spin around and plunge to the grass

Laughter rises and fades with a brush

A look, a dimple, becoming unhinged 

Fear and suspense 

It drives away, run away

The night makes love fanciful 

Is there a way to tell it no?

Shade, shade, shade your eyes

The sun has peeked up over the hill

Now to the mines, to work, to sweat

Groaning and strain, dust and grime

To the field, to pull and pick

Swelter and sting, cut and burn

Day forgets night 

And I forget you

SEPTEMBER SOUP

I love September. I love soup. So, today I celebrated both! 


SEPTEMBER SOUP
2 cups quinoa
4 cups water 
In a large saucepan bring quinoa to a boil (salt water lightly), cover and let simmer until water is fully absorbed. About 15 minutes. Burner off.


1 large onion, diced
1 large (or 2 small) zucchini, chunked small
3 stalks celery, diced
1 green pepper, diced
In skillet saute onion, zucchini, celery  and pepper to your taste in EVOO. I like mine a bit crunchy, 3-5 minutes. For softer veggies, 5-10 minutes.


1 can (16oz.) blackbeans
1 can (16oz.) corn 
3 cups chicken broth
Add sauteed vegetables, blackbeans, corn and broth to quinoa, stir on low. 


5 large tomatoes, chunked
2 garlic cloves, minced
pepper to taste (I like ALOT)
In the same skillet you sauteed the veggies in, saute tomatoes, garlic and pepper for about 10 minutes. Mix into soup.


1 to 2 cups milk (2 cups if: 2% or whole, 1 cup if half and half or cream.) 
3 Tbs. fresh, minced basil
salt and pepper to taste
Add milk, basil, salt and pepper very last. Serve with shredded cheese on top! ENJOY! 


Love, Monica

Pray and Trust - You Will See

The picture on the screen was grotesque and horrible. Yet me eyes were glued. I couldn't look away.

"Oh, Jesus... Oh, Jesus..." Tears threatened.

To look at her caused my insides to churn.  She had once been very beautiful, that was plain to see. Now her skin was burned and pussing, her hair (or what was left of it) was singed and matted. And in her eyes you could see a siege taking place.  Anger was infiltrating her whole being. Bitterness.

"What happened?!!" 

Despite the noise of a crowded coffee shop, I came to know what tragedy had fallen on this undeserving girl. 

She was the nanny of Hannibal Gaddafi's grandchildren, (That alone, I thought, was tragedy enough.) and had suffered horrible abuse at the hands of Gaddafi's wife, Aline. 

"She took me to a bathroom and tied my hands behind my back, and tied my feet,"  my eyes followed the subtitles, "she tied my mouth...and she started pouring  boiling water on my head like this." 

Gallons. Gallons of scalding water racing over her skin, burning, searing. I couldn't imagine. 

This was her offense: She had refused to beat Hannibal's young son when he wouldn't stop crying. 

Mullah, whose wounds were in desperate need of medical attention, said she was never paid for her work or allowed to go to the hospital. "I worked for a whole year; they didn't give me one penny," she noted. "She [Aline] said, 'No money for you. You just work.'"

Confusion almost overwhelmed me. I could never even do this to a BUG. What would drive a person to do something so horrible? 

"Jesus? Did you see that? Why didn't you interfere? That's so so awful. Please help me here. Cuz I'm really struggling with this one. She doesn't even know you! She has no hope of true joy now. Outside of You, I mean. I know You still think she's beautiful, but... I don't. And no one else will now either. Oh Jesus..." I talk to Him very frankly sometimes. 

At home I hit my bathroom floor in prayer. I begged God for her salvation. Literally begged. I can't remember the last time I prayed so urgently. And I am on the otherside of the world. 

"So what else can I do?" I thought. "I feel so helpless. So... protected and so innocent."

But then... Isn't that the best thing I can do? Pray.

"Pray and trust, Monica. Pray and trust." 

Now I have to be faithful. Continually lifting her up to Him. 

It's good to see these things, to know even if it is ugly or it hurts. Because then I know how to pray specifically and more effectively. 

8-30-11 thought of the day

On Fans and Athletes

On Fans and Players, 8-29-11

(Inspired by the Holy Spirit through Demolishing Strongholds)

To the Body of Christ

People flock to local courts and playing fields, decked out in the colors and numbers of their favorite team and player. Many won't miss a game. Or if they do, they receive the "blow by blow" from a friend (who IS there) over text. They are totally committed. 

They cheer. 

They scream.

They jump. 

They dance. 

They might even cry. 

Many invest in teams. Sponsoring them with either money, time or equipment. It's all about the game. The rush. 

Now! How many fans do you suppose really even know the game. Sure, they might understand that if the ball goes into the hoop the team receives 2 pts, depending on where the shot was made. Or if they make it to the end of the field they get a touchdown. But how many people do you suppose would actually be able to carry out a play if (at random) the coach showed them one to carry out? Not many would be my guess. 

"Monica, where are you going?"

You know how when the Holy Spirit teaches something He usually brings it up multiple times within only a few days? Well, this is what He has been showing me: He has many committed fans... and not enough players. Too many people who come, sit in the stands (the pew) and watch from a distance at the kingdom moving ahead by a very small minority. HOWEVER! I do not believe the church has helped as well as they could at providing radical campaigns or "plays" to involve their immediate communities in bringing forth the kingdom. (Not that it is entirely their responsibility.)

Why do I say this? 

Too much catering to people. Too much caring about what they think. 

"We want everyone to be comfortable." 

"We don't want people to feel bad." 

"We want people to like us."

Can I say something no one else seems to voice, but I'm sure many have observed? 

Where in the Bible does it say our walk will or should be comfy? 

Where in the Bible does Jesus just let people continue in their sin because He doesn't want them to feel bad? 

And where in the Bible does it say people will like us? 

"Whoa... She's sounding radical."

"She doesn't sound very loving here." 

"Who does this girl think she is?!" 

I'm not condemning anyone. (Actually, this is directed at myself, but I thought I would write for everyone, incase someone is inspired.) And yes, I do believe we are doing better than we have in previous decades. But I think we could do better. (By "we" I mean the Body. My family.) 

Think about it this way (and if you've seen Demolishing Strongholds you'll recognize this picture): 

You are an athlete. Or you're going to be one. You show up to your first practice. You're amped. Not only are you going to become better at your sport, but you're going to be physically pushed beyond what you're used to. You will be stronger for having participated. And strength is coveted. 

The coach walks in. A big tough looking man, strong. What does he say? Does he say: 

"Ok, so I want this to be fun for you. I want you to be comfortable. So you can drink all you want. You can stay out late, I won't make you wake up for early morning practice. You can eat whatever you want and it's ok if you don't make all the games. Just come to the ones you can. Now let's start with a little warm up, not too much tho, I don't want you to over exert yourself." 

HA!!!!!! No he says, 

"Ok, kids... I'm gonna push you harder than you think you can be pushed. I'm gonna run your chubby little legs off. You're gonna sweat buckets. You're gonna cry. You're gonna puke. You're NOT going to drink. You're NOT going to stay out too late. You're NOT going to miss games. If I hear of any messin' around you're out. No "ifs", "buts" or "how's". I will make you tougher, stronger and better if you'll do what I say, when I say it! Now get running!"

So maybe that's a bit extreme, but it's closer than the other. 

Come on! We're a team. Let's get fit. Let's push ourselves out of our comfort-zone. Let's not get as close to the world and the things they do as we can. Let's be OK with sticking out. 

Just so you know... I am a lover. I do love people. But I love in the sense that I want the greatest best for everyone. And that means I can't just sit by and watch people do things that is contradictory to what the Word of God says. AND I cannot apologize for what the Bible says. It says what it says, there is no changing it. I have chosen to believe every single word in there. Love does not mean making sure people are comfortable or good with us. We shouldn't bend or twist the Bible's words to please them. We shouldn't just read the parts that promise blessings or make us feel good. That can lead us down paths we shouldn't go. Sometimes we need a rough word or two to wake us up. Further more, we do not just do this for nothing! It will be so worth it. We are promised eternal fellowship with our Creator! Um?! Worth it? Yes. Very. 

Now what though? I'm beginning to run dry here... So I'll close with this.

The Bible. The Bible has the answers. I can sit here and type and encourage and beg. But I do not have the answer. I'm merely contemplating. Mostly for my own sake actually. I am not the player I should be when it comes to God's team. And as I sit here I realize that if I want to be a better player, I'd better get to know the game better. I'd better pick up my rule book and buckle down. And it takes strict self-discipline. Will we do it? I want to. I will, 'cause I don't want to watch as my team wins, I wanna play. I love knowing that we win in the end anyway. I'm on an invincible team. So why not play? I love winning.=] Haha! So bring it! Let's partner with our LIVING and ACTIVE God to rock this world.

1 Corinthians 9:25-27, "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

A Song of Praise

"The needs of our day are great but our God is greater and we call Him Providence because we believe: He is the One who always provides.. And when God provides, He should be praised, and if God always provides, shouldn’t praise always be on the lips? ...We are the people provided for and praise is our song.... God has made provision. So we will make praise." ~Ann Voskamp

   I think about this. Suddenly overwhelmed. My heart is struck. Like the Marksman hit His mark... Dead on. Again.

What if I really believe in my heart, I have everything I need? Do I? 

    Everything.

Everything? 

    Yes, I have everything in Him. 

Oh to walk in this confidence. Truly. Truth. 

   Make praise, Monica

Yes, here is my praise...

   I do have everything.

You, Jesus, are my Lord, my King

And I am your possession, lost in love for you

I am happier than I have ever been or will ever be

I am happy because I am in Your hands

The most tender, the most gracious, the most powerful hands 

You are the kindest, greatest, most supreme Person

And You are the happiest Person I know

Being dependent on You is how I will live

I am dependent on you

You are always good, you never change

You are completely consistent and totally unpredictable

You will never change in character, but You will always surprise me

You send me out like a lamb among wolves

But I will not fear because I have a great and mighty Lion padding along side me

You are my Lion, You are by my side

Who can possibly stand against me? 

I know that I alone, am not able to do what you have called me to do

But I also know that He who called me is more than capable to accomplish all things

It's crazy! It's impossible! It's outrageous! It's wonderfully beyond me! 

I will not fear! Why would I? 

To walk with You is my destiny!

Oh Lord, stamp Your image on me

Take my heart captive, woo me

I want to be so completely in love with You that it wouldn't matter if I didn't have anything else in the whole world

Everyday Your kindness will be my joy

I will watch for it and rejoice with every encounter

For I know You sing over me, You dance around me and You take joy in me

You, my Happy King are the kindest person I will ever know

You are good. You are steadfast. And You love me. 

And I love You. Happy Jesus, I love You. 

Thank you for everything. 

Have a blessed day. And don't forget to give Him Praise today, for everything. 

Food for thought and Praise.