Bloom!

  One minute, you are whipping through homework and job tasks, planning an amazing night out with the girls, and generally feeling on top of life and expectations. The next, everything you try to do takes three times as long, your desk and closet are a mess, and the kids you babysit decide they don't really like you. Ever feel this way? It's like a great roller coaster ride between failure and mastery. And really, it's just called life in a broken world. But I'm learning that we need to be aware of the dangers in both. When we feel in charge, capable and on top, that's when pride becomes our best friend.  Who is in control of this situation and this project? I am. Who doesn't need any help because she's just so amazing? Yep, that would be me too.  We're tempted to prove ourselves, over and over. It becomes a race to stay in control, to stay independent. But unfortunately, none of those three things are where we should be. If I'm provin...

  Today we're happy to share an interview we did with Allison.  We pray that you will be blessed and encouraged as you hear what the Lord has done in her life! Allison, share with us how and when you started living for Christ. I accepted Christ one night after Awana when I was 6 years old, and God has been working in my life faithfully throughout all my years as His follower (though I haven't always been so faithful). My dad is a pastor, so I grew up in the church, often among the first to arrive and the last to leave every Sunday. I lived a sheltered childhood, which I am thankful for, and my parents worked hard to help me establish a firm foundation of faith. I began to truly understand what living for Christ means when I entered the public school system as a sixth grader. I had been home schooled through fifth grade, and my parents and I felt it was time for a change. This began my journey of learning how to be the salt of the earth (which I think I am still continu...

This is the day that You have made, Give a song for my heart to proclaim! I want beauty that will never fade- A spirit declaring Your name.  Lord, open wide my heart to see The plans You have in store for me This day. With promise and life this day is filled, For You are here and You are good. And even things that seem to not Be beautiful- that seem as if they never could, You can make beautiful This day. Let love to fear give chase, Let worry bow to peace, And pride fall down to grace. May Your will reign supreme, I pray. And joy in You be my glorious theme This day. O Lord, I have so many regrets- Days wasted and things I know I could’ve changed. But yet You still reach out to me and show, With each fresh sunrise, mercies new, Another chance to give my all for You This day. Let the past no more define me, Lord, But let Your grace be my identity. Help me share Your message to the world Of ho...