Relationships

Do any of you ever have those kind of moments, where God is like, pay attention, lesson here? Well I had one of those yesterday.

I was thinking about how much effort I put into my earthly relationships. I want to protect them and always wanting everyone to know I love them, and really, expecting the same from those closest to me. Then I began to think of how I just take the advantage of the Love of God, because after all, His love is unconditional, and it isn’t going anywhere.

As you can figure, I was convicted! I began comparing my thoughts, time, and efforts of my earthly relationships with my Jesus relationship. Boy was I saddened. I spend a lot of time keeping people happy and all the while neglecting Jesus, the one who has the endless unconditional love we all long for!

I am not saying that it isn’t important to invest, and love on others. After all, that is the second greatest commandment. I am just saying the priorities need to be in balance. God’s love for us in unconditional, but He commands us to love Him back( Matthew 22:36-37). The love relationship that God offers us, is the most satisfying one we can ever invest in, not only because it is unconditional, but because if our spiritual relationship is in check, the rest of our relationships will follow suit.

As I try to do with Esther everyday, make Deut. 6:4-9 a practice of your daily life. Write it on your head if you have to..haha (kidding).

Have any of you realized your emphasis was on the wrong relationships? What are some things that you do to keep them in check?

Lovin’ my Jesus

Natalie

Jesus Keep My Heart Alive

My favorite song these days is “Keep My Heart Alive” by Sanctus Real. It is speaking to me, if you know what I mean! The song talks about how the world is de-sensitizing, and how they are tired of chasing the moment instead of chasing God. Wow! I feel like that!

I can look back over my life and see how as a child my eyes and ears were guarded from the ways of the world and how slowly but surely more evil has been revealed. For instance, when you we were little and we heard a “bad word” we would all be like , “Oh NO they said a bad word”! But now as we have been ‘desensitized’ we can watch something that is filled with language and blow it off, like it is ok, since we don’t talk like that.

Think about how our TV shows have changed. Do you remember when a show cast a homosexual role, and everyone freaked? Now, it is the norm. Or how about the way that sex seems to be a top subject in shows, i.e., that’s what she said. I hear this line often, off the TV. And we are ok with that? See we have been desensitized to sin!

To some people this may seem trivial, but know this, one wrong justified in our minds can lead to another. Look at your life a year later and you can be sure you will be further and further from the innocent child you once were.

I know that we can’t guard our minds from every bad thing out there, because we live in a fallen world that is ruled by satan himself. But I do believe we have to make a conscious effort to have lives and hearts that are ALIVE! Running from sin and to the Father! JESUS KEEP MY HEART ALIVE!!! I leave you with a passage from Ephesians, that I believe sums up the subject.

Ephesians 5

1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^[a^] 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them.

8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
“Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What are some of the ways you have seen the world has desensitized our minds?

Heart Alive!!

Natalie

What is love?

What is Love?

Don’t you automatically start singing a song when you hear the line, What is love? Anyway, I am sitting here reading Romans 12, and a new subtitle labeled, LOVE, was above the next section of verses.

I must have read this 50 times before, but the Lord really spoke to me through it in a new way, or maybe I should say in a convicting way.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good…” To this I say, “yes Lord, got it.” I continue reading and God is speaking to my heart and showing me areas that need some, lets say, “improvement” but nothing really curling my toes quite yet.

Then it hits me. Verse 14, ” bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” As usual, I have to go back and read it a few more times, noticing Paul said to Bless your enemies two times!

To this I say, “Ouch!! Yes Lord, I am listening. (with a quivering voice) Isn’t that a little unfair?” Then I keep reading, and you won’t believe it, verse 17, “Don’t repay evil for evil…” verse 19, 20 “Do not take revenge… on the contrary, if your enemy is hungry feed him…give him a drink.” Then finally verse 21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Wow! So, this is sincere love. Love without hypocrisy. O God, make us true loving people.

As I was thinking of practical ways to apply these truths, here are a few God brought to mind:

1. Growing up as a minister’s kid and being in the ministry now, I know how brutal church people can be. So, when the nay sayers are calling out insults and complaints…don’t retaliate; pray, and bless.

2. If you are in a restaurant and the waitress has not exactly been in the serving mood. Instead of getting short with her, be kind, and leave them a tip anyway. Who knows what their day has been like. If you remain “in the spirit” your light will shine!

3. Or how about your peers or co-workers, seem to relentlessly try to hurt you. Instead of paybacks, love them sincerely, giving it to the Lord. After all the scripture clearly says revenge is the Lord’s, and the kindness will set their heads on fire!

In all things, let’s make a striving effort to LOVE SINCERELY(meaning without hypocrisy)!! And overcome evil with the GOOD!

Have you ever applied sincere love in your life even when it seemed unfair, and seen God take care of the mess?

In Christ,

Natalie

Crawling

WoW! We have just gotten back from an amazing week of leading worship.

We were leading worship for a FCA camp in St Simons, GA and God showed up! There is nothing like hundreds of people shouting praises to GOD together with hands raised. To say the least, I had chills nonstop!  I want to thank everyone who was there for making our experience so wonderful. Glory to God!

As most of you know, David and I have a little girl who is nine months old, and is the joy of our lives. She started crawling this past week at camp, and has a peculiar way of doing it.  Her right leg is in the correct form for crawling, but her left leg is in a straight position. In other words, it looks like she is half crawling and half ready to stand up and take off walking.

We have laughed at this “creative” way of crawling, but really we can be the same way in the way we live for Christ. Half up, but still down.  We go to things, like camps, conferences,etc. and get fired up, ready to take on Hell with a water pistol.

We are strengthened by the brothers and sisters around us, and in the process move from “sitting up” to “crawling”. We make a million promises to God that we are ready to “STAND for HIM” the second we get home.

Then we get home and we get back into the swing of everyday things and we are stuck crawling. Stuck half up, but still down. We have been equipped and challenged with the truth, but we get busy and do not follow through on our promise to God. Church, I challenge you, ARISE, ARISE! If God is for us, what can stand against us?( Romans 8:31b).

Let’s not be ok in a half up state, let’s rise up and walk in the power of Jesus Christ! After all Jesus said himself in Matthew 12:30,”He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.”  We have to be good stewards of the truth God gives us so that we can stand up, and be a light to our dying world.

God please help us to stand up, and grow in Your truth.

If we are honest with ourselves, a lot of us are stuck “crawling”. We have made commitments to God, but have not followed through on them. We are stuck in the middle of the process of growing as a Christian. What are some ways that you remind yourself to follow through on your commitments to God?

Impacting the Kingdom

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”- 1 Corinthians 15:55.

A great Christian man we knew died this past Friday unexpectedly, and we have been reminded of the glorious life that greeted him on Friday afternoon. A place without tears, pain, suffering, or fear, but most importantly, a place 100% full of the presence and glory of God.

Even though the pain is deep and hard to cope with now, we have already heard the family speak of the day when they will see him again. To this we can praise the Lord and say, O death, where is your victory!!!

Our friend’s death came unexpectedly, and it reminds me that we never know when we are going to leave this earth. Think about this with me. What if it was me, or you? Do we have anything to offer Him? What kind of impact have we had on His kingdom? Do we have anything praiseworthy to lay at His feet?

See, I am sure most of us know where we would be if we were to die, but God saves us for so much more than just a “ticket” in to Heaven. He wants us to use our gifts and talents to Glorify His name. He tells us in Matthew 6:19, 20, “Do not store, up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”

With this in mind, I know that our lives will be victorious, and can say with confidence, “O death, where is your victory!” I want my life to be marked by heavenly treasures, not earthly processions. Don’t you? What are some action steps we can take everyday to make an impact on His kingdom?

Pressing on,

Natalie

Faith Being Tested

Hey guys and gals!! Believe it or not, another 2 weeks has passed since our last blog entry, and, this time, it comes from the beach shores in Alabama! It is officially camp season, and we are starting off with our home church, Underwood Baptist, and having a great time!!

We have been watching for it closely, but have seen very little oil. What we have seen has not been enough to stop everyone from getting in the ocean.  Please remember to petition the Lord on the oil crisis. It is changing lives dramatically as we speak.

Let’s talk about faith. Do we really have it, or is it a Christian word we like to use?

I have learned over the past weekend, the reality of how strong my faith is. God put me through a test and allowed me to see just how much or how little I trust and have faith in him.

An issue came up that could have been a major life changing event and all I could think of was the “what ifs”….but, praise God, because of His word that is hidden in my heart(Psalm 119:10) I was able to depend on God to be my strength and comfort!

God reminded me of scriptures constantly, to keep me from worrying, (aka- not trusting Him).  Praise God for His word!!!! Know it, Love it, Trust it! As a result of the WORD, my faith was made stronger!!! Even though I still had moments of fear, God won the battle of my heart!! I want that to always be the outcome, for every trial, temptation, and test. O GOD may it be so!

Do you really have faith, or is just another Christian word you like to use? Have you ever ran into a situation that tested your faith?

-Natalie

Put Your Trust in God Alone

These past couple of weeks have held some fun stuff for us!!  Here is just a little glimpse:

We were asked to be a part of the NO’ALA  magazine, entertainment issue. Which means, we got to do a photo shoot and interview, as well as put one of our songs on a compilation CD with all the other featured artists.

Of course the photo shoot was  SUPER fun! Hair, makeup(which the guys loved, hehehe), clothes, the works!!  But the best part was that we were able to share our hearts and let them know why we do what we do, PRAISE THE LORD!!!

The other neat thing we did this past weekend was play at Soulstock 2010 in Decatur, AL. We were blessed to be a part of one huge worship service with a few thousand of our closest friends! We met several other Christian Musicians, and tons of brothers and sisters in Christ. It was a wonderful time!!

Over the next couple of months we will be leading worship at a few different camps, and as we are preparing for these, it is important for us to make sure we are seeking the Lord.

Within the past week,we have come face to face with Satan and his devouring schemes (John 10:10), we have seen people who we looked at as spiritual leaders fall captive to sin, and in return hurt so many people, but ultimately breaking the heart of God.

With the harsh reality that we are not above ‘more failure’ outside of the grace of God, we have been CRYING OUT TO GOD, for wisdom, protection, healing, and direction in our lives. But, the biggest lesson we have learned is that no one is worthy of our trust and admiration except God alone.

In Isaiah 2:22 the bible tells us to ” Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?”  You have to remember that everyone can fail you, even your pastor, sunday school teacher, mom or dad. But God is faithful, He reminds us over and over that, He will never leave us or forsake us. So who are you trusting? Is it God alone, or do you have a problem with putting your faith in a person you look up to?

Photo shoot for No’ala Magazine

Here are some clips from our photo shoot last week. We hope you enjoy it!

Fear of Man

Hey guys and gals! We have taken on the commitment/challenge to keep an updated blog so that we can stay connected with you, spiritually, and also to keep you up to date with Hello August.

To be completely honest I have really struggled with getting this first one out because I was thinking, “the last thing I want is something else to read,” but then the Holy Spirit reminded me of Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good…” So here we go!

God has awakened in me a restless spirit, one that is not ok with just the everyday casual Christian life.  Through different bible studies, and books I have read, God is showing me what a true Christian looks like. The hard part is that the life God is showing me is not the so-called normal, accepted life.

We live in a world that is entrapped by the Fear of Man (Proverbs 29:25), rather than the Fear of God which is where true knowledge and wisdom begin (Psalm 111:10). So we, (notice I said we, this is a struggle for me too, ugh), bow to what every other “good” Christian life looks like and accept the average over the abundant.

If we know this is true and God is telling us to step out and be more, where do we start?? You know the cliché term, “Back to the Basics?” That is it!

Pray and pray with purpose! Believe that God is true to His word and believable. If there is an area in your life that causes you to doubt God, pray like the child’s father in Mark 9:24, “Help me overcome my unbelief.”

Share the Gospel! Everyone you come in contact with is going to Heaven or Hell. Ask God to open your eyes to those around you, and to give you opportunities to share of His great love and mercy. No one can argue with a changed life, so tell your story of what God has done for you!

Read and study God’s Word.  The only thing in this world with perfect truth capable of giving true direction is the Word!

We love you all, and pray that God is stirring in your hearts to be more like him. Do you ever feel like you are trapped by the fear of man? Do you struggle with the idea of a “normal” Christian life?

Natalie