Not made for fire

Imagine a huge rock, which represents our foundation-that is, our relationship with Jesus Christ. Rocks come in all different sizes. Some are stronger than others, some are smoother, some are larger. Imagine how the rock becomes when it is near fire for a long time, tarnished and discolored. When the rock is tossed and thrown upon sharp objects it chips and scratches. But when the rock is in a flowing stream of water it becomes soft, smooth; and the longer the rock is in the water, the softer and smoother it becomes. Notice that the atmosphere of a river is peaceful and refreshing, especially compared to the blazing fire or being tossed and beaten.


It's easy to surround ourselves with fire. The fire feels warm, inviting...but we don't stand by the fire expecting to get burned. And then it happens, and we realize that as Christians, the things of the world an only satisfy us to leave us empty again. 


So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:18


But the river, representing the constant flow of Christ's love and mercy..the stream is continuous..never stops refining who we are, polishing our rock of a foundation..cleansing us from tarnish of fire and the scrapes imprinted on us by things of the world. 


I know my foundation belongs in the river..I know that I am different than other rocks..I know that I was not made for fire


There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. -Psalm 46:4. ...oooh now that sounds like a nice river to be in.




"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" -John 7:38


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Hebrews 11:25 - He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.

"Live in the moment, dear"

Have you ever had a morning where one thing after the other just keeps going wrong?..Do you still smile and keep your chin up when your expensive camera breaks or a friend accidentally erases your 8-page statistics project that is due the next day? When you stub your toe or get a flat tire or miss your alarm and show up late to an important meeting, do you still take a deep breath and feel peaceful inside?

After a heart-felt conversation, one of my really good friends told me to "live in the moment, dear!" Ever since, I've used that quote a thousand times...ya see, for me, the moment isn't just that split second that I realize my camera is gone. The moment is made up of my attitude (how I perceive my circumstances and the things I'm experiencing), and my relationships (who is impacting my life at the moment, and who will always be special to me). When I see a beach, any beach, I instantly want run and jump like a little girl because I'm so excited to have life and good experiences..When I see the rain, I just want to go dance in it because everything has it's own beautiful way of reminding me to live in the moment.

When anything happens, anything at all..I am able to say that, "In this moment, the Lord is looking on me with love." We may not always have the best luck. We might not think our circumstances can allow us to be happy...but I think it is more so our desire that makes us "not as happy" as God wants us to be. I believe that false happiness or unhappiness is from our minds.. our minds and our emotions tell us that someone else has it better, or that bad things keep happening and they mess everything up, or that the way we look isn't good enough, or that we'll never have the friends or family that other people have, or we shouldn't have to go through certain thing. I am very very very blessed, not lucky, blessed to have the most amazing family and friends and so many cool passions and opportunities, and to have never really experienced death..but I've experienced hardships, and I've experienced great loss...and I remember thinking in a few situations that my whole world is falling apart, things that to this day still bring up painful memories..but even more than the hard memories, I remember how I still smiled, and I laughed, and I prayed, and I cried, and how the Lord was so faithful to remind me of His wonderful plan so that I could hold onto His joy. And I also remember how many people were touched by my ability to truthfully know comfort and happiness when I was hurting. What a testimony it is when other people realize how honestly happy I am <3

I don't think that God just made me a happy person from birth..I think that I can give an honest smile when bad things happen, or stay calm and enjoy the sun or help other people when I'm dealing with my own troubles..I think that I do those things because I know the Father of happiness. I know a God who makes me melt in his presence...who can bring me to tears for no reason in a split second...who can remind me that my life on earth is temporary and that my real treasure lies in Heaven...I know the God who breathes life into me every morning when I first open my eyes...who gives me peaceful visions, and words of wisdom that I cannot fathom on my own...I know the Father of happiness, and no matter what stage of life I am in, what country I live in, what job, what situation, what hardships or hurts,

i will always be incredibly happy. . .

"but whoever drinks the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." -John 4:14

Not defined by feelings

Going through life we feel lots of things. Tingles, nervousness, butterflies, hope, all the things in between happy and sad that don't really have words in the english language. Someone told me other day, "I just don't think you need to go to church to get that feeling." ..What feeling does he mean, I wonder? The feeling of security? The feeling of clearing a guilty conscience? A good feeling I suppose..But since when is going to church meant for producing a certain feeling? Yes, I often feel things at church..but it isn't self-sufficiency, or whatever he meant he can feel without going to church. Maybe it's fullness...but I usually feel unsettled at church, because I am convicted by the Holy Spirit or hear a word from God that shakes me up inside...yes, itsamazinggggg, but not always a good feeling. In fact, I feel closest to the Lord when I cry. Cry, hmm I do it all the time..for me it's like a point of humility...a point of, "
Lord, here in your presence I am vulnerable and weak," a lack of self-sufficiency..an obvious need for a God much bigger than myself."

2 Corinthians 2:9a - "But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you. For my power is made perfect in weakness."

I just don't think he means he can feel weak without going to church..

Yes, Jesus makes us feel things, but satan makes us feel things as well..sometimes we feel things that are harmful to us. Do you remember being 15 when your range of emotions would go from A to Z all in one day?? Do you remember feeling and unfulfilled longing?, an eagerness for something you didn't have?, a passion that was fleeting and left you insecure? We feel something when we see something in a store that we really want. We feel something when we see commercials of needy kids or abused animals. We feel something when we look in the mirror and don't like what we see. We feel something when we get flowers and a cute note from someone special. We feel something when we see our family for the first time after a long trip (although that might be the closest to any supposed church feeling for me). Fun fact: The part of our brain that controls our emotions doesn't fully develop until age 25.

My point is this - feelings are uncertain. You can't always help what you feel.

But certainty is this: Jesus died on the cross for you and me, so that we could experience a life so full, so purposeful, so everlasting. How can you boil that down to a feeling? haha, praise God my eternity isn't based on how I feel at the moment...praise God that He will still speak to me when I don't feel like spending time with Him...praise God that I am able to feel things, but that my feelings don't change my identity in Jesus Christ.

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Lord, thank you that I can feel You..at home, at church, walking down the street, wherever, whenever. And thank you that my spiritually is not defined by feelings. By the way, I'm in love with you <3

-Laura

I felt a calling on my life that I still feel today.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28

How reassuring is it to hear this promise? My late journeys at work or home or with friends have lead to many conversations about religion, Christianity, and personal values. I really enjoy being able to explain the difference from Christianity and every other religion in the world. I like being able to discuss "good deeds," which is what most non-religious people first think about in the topic. I tell my friends/acquaintances that Muslims, Buddhist, etc do good things because their religions says you work your way to heaven. Christians serve people, speak kindly, and abstain from premarital sex because our relationship with God makes us want to do those things. Don't misinterpret what I'm saying, I know plenty of people of other religious who are genuinely friendly people and have similar practices. Here's what it boils down to for me: I know that I am not gonna get to judgment day and stand before a scale while Jesus weighs all the good things and bad things I've done over the course of my life...How scary would that be? No, eternity is not a guessing game for me. When the end of my life on earth comes, I will give Jesus a giant bear hug and He'll say, "Welcome home, love!!"

Just to let you know, I don't believe this because I read it somewhere. I don't believe this because at Sunday school my teacher said get saved and you'll go to heaven. I actually used to pray as a kid over and over and over that I would be saved because I was scared that for some reason my prayer didn't go through, or something would happen and Jesus would take back my salvation...

My sophomore year of high school, I felt the Holy Spirit move through me. That's not something I could have read or been taught. When my heart was humble, Jesus decided to give me a glimpse of the many years to come in this unbelievable, thrilling, exciting, joyful journey with Him. I was singing, leading worship in front of 3,000 of my peers..and I fell to my knees, sang my heart out to the Living God, then moved off stage to lay on my face in His presence. I stayed there for 3 hours, even after the conference had finished and everyone had cleared out. I felt a calling on my life, then, that I still feel today. At that time, I learned the meaning of surrender. The Holy Spirit called me into a life of humility, a life where I sacrifice anything that has the potential to hinder my relationship with Him.

And boy has it been an awesome ride! How am I so certain of my faith and my eternity?? God takes the chance to let me know very frequently. <3

I have prayed for someone and the Lord healed her..on the spot!!

I have visions and specific words from God to prophesy (speak truth) to people, and have seen how He uses them to build up His beloved followers.

I have spoken in a language that is foreign to my tongue and lost all control of my movements.

I could speak for ages about the Spiritual encounters I've had, because they still amaze me. But I didn't even know those things were real! How could I not be 100% certain of my faith after all the times my prayers have been answered..after all the times I've spoken my requests to God and He's provided...after all the times I've been approached by a Christian brother or sister and heard words of truth on specific things in my life that I had been praying about, things there's no way someone could just know that I needed to hear.

I'll tell the whole world that life with the Lord is the best life, and I'll tell you that persecution feels good. I'm experiencing it more and more, which means I must be doing something right (praise God for that!).

If you are reading this, please pray for my mission this last month in Australia. God's purpose is greater than anything I can see, and hearts have already been softened. I'm praying for you today.

Redefining My Identity

How many times, Lord, am I gonna stumble? Yes, forgive my brother 70 times 7..but what about me?..Does 70 times 7 even account for all my sins? Spiritually, I've grown a lot in the past year. I am sooo thankful for enlightenment, victory, visions, experiences, blessings and opportunities. My life with you is amazing, God..it is rich and complete. I do forget, though, that there is an enemy working against me..that the people who do not know you, Lord, don't know the joy they could have. I need a redefined identity. No, I'm not just the Christian girl. I'm the Christian girl who lives differently, and has a joy that cannot be hidden. How easy would it be to minister, God, if I was embracing that joy and fullness every moment of everyday..if my mind was constantly set on the redemption of ALL Your children, regardless of race, attitude, religious beliefs..if I started everyday with a "Thank you, JESUS, You are my good!"..how many of the people I mourn for would realize what they're missing??

Who am i? Yeah, I know who I am..cause, Lord, I know who You are. ! Since I know who I am because I know who You are, please redeem my actions, my thoughts, my desires, my priorities..<3

I said to the LORD, "You are my LORD; I have no good besides You." -Psalm 16:2

btw, I kinda enjoy persecution. means i'm doing something right :)

I will.

I just love talking about my faith. I don't have all the answers..In fact, I don't have most of them. But that's the mystery of it all..How awesome is it that we don't hold the responsibility of having all the knowledge and wisdom in the universe? I know that Heaven is waiting for me!! And I know that one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord!!!..And when I think on the love God has for me, I'm in a special place and nothing can touch me.

I've been meeting some ammazzzing people in Melbourne! I work for a charity, and my job is literally to talk to people all day. Some people I mourn for, like the lady who told me the only good we can do in the world is let the kids overseas die and make the government preach contraceptives because our world is overpopulated..and the people I spend everyday with who just can't understand why I live the way I do..And the 40-year-old plastic surgeon who wanted to "take me out,"

and not at work, but the fifteen year-old girls I saw at a tram stop last night, swearing at an innocent man, calling him a pedophile, and SPITTING on him..when they walked to the side, I went to talk to the man, absolutely disgusted at the way they were treating him. I introduced myself, and he told me his name is Greg. He was clearly unaffected by the girls' rudeness, which was great..but when I shook his hand the girls said, "Don't talk to him, he's a pedophile!" I responded in a quiet and mature voice, "girls, that's unnecessary." The leader of the pack then said, "You want to get raped tonight? Omg she's such a slut! You'e a slut, girl" I responded in a positive tone, "Actually, I'm a virgin," and smiled. The clearly disturbed girl said, "OMG YOU'RE A VIRGIN?! I already got pregnant when I was 12, and now I'm fifteen." The other girls were cackling and carrying on in disbelief when one of them said, "Maybe she's saving it till marriage like real love or something like that." And when her peers looked at her, she quickly rebuked the comment saying, "I don't know I saw it on a movie once haha." Providing comedic relief, Analu leans in to me and says "I guess I shouldn't tell them I'm a virgin too, haha!" (Analu and Broz had come with me to talk to Greg, noting that the girls were..ridiculous to say the least)

..sad :/ . I wonder if they'll ever know something good in life??

but some people, tons of people, have inspired me so greatly over the past two weeks of working...

Like the preacher I met, Jess, who has committed her life to serving people all over the world.

And the ex drug-addict Chris, who found freedom five years ago because a random man on the streets witnessed to him, and is now living a completely humble life, praying and being patient with his lost daughter..When I first met Chris, I asked him, "So what do you do, Chris?" and he answered, "I'm a stone mason." "Oh, and I'm a Christian!" We spoke for an hour after that in the middle of the mall and among non-believers, both presenting prayer requests and sharing scriptures and testimonies of God's faithfulness in our own lives.

And the lady who was a real "Patch Adams" for a few years.

And the man I met who I got to encourage spiritually because he had been faltering in his faith until he had a stroke a few days before.

And the lady I committed to praying for who was diagnosed with three illnesses 7 years ago, that won't allow her to do much of anything other than sit at home..she has now invested in several hobbies like gardening, crocheting, and knitting, and has a positive outlook on life although she cannot get out much.

And the wonderful biker couple I met who found me on facebook and thanked me for my friendliness, inviting me to come ride with them and their two kids in the Australian country...even the simple "God is good" at the end of the message was heart-warming.

The list goes on, and I've truly been touched..knowing that God has a purpose for each one of their lives. I'm extremely thankful that I was able to meet them, and I'm excited for upcoming opportunities to continue being a blessing to people. Meaningful conversations, one step of selfless faith to say "I'm a Christian," we can make a difference. And I. . .

I will.

If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.. - Philippians 1:22a

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

-Philippians 2:10-11

I try to be so tough

listening to Josh Wilson's Savior Please

I try to be so tough

but I'm just not strong enough

I can't do this alone, God I need you to hold onto me

I try to be good enough

But I'm nothing without Your love

Savior, please keep saving me

this song..wow

I really do try to be tough, and I'm honestly not strong enough..

I try to endure, but I have to realize that I just can't do it alone..I can't.

I do not cope well with failure, in fact, I despise failure.I despise rejection; and I don't think I'm alone in either of those. It's good because it sparks my determination, but there is a point where I think we just try too hard.

Maybe the Lord is just like,

"Daughter..I got you. . just slow down and take a deep breath, I'm taking care of you! Don't you remember that I have your life mapped out? Don't you know that I drew out your blueprint before you knew life exists? No, I don't expect you to remember everything you learn..that's part of my design. I want you to be able to enjoy things more than once. I don't expect you to always know what to say to someone who is hurting..if you did, when would you ask Me?? I don't expect every person to think you're an absolute gem, although you are..because I created you exactly how I want you :) Oh, and all those times you've said "foot in mouth, Laura" to yourself..haha that's okay. You're learning :) Did I mention that I love you? Cause sometimes you forget that too ;) No worries, I'll remind you..You hurt someone's feelings by accident? Yeah, good thing I'm meant to be the perfect one, and not you. Gave up on your diet? Failed that assignment? Haven't progressed with your music? Forgot that scripture verse when you needed it? Lost the presents you just bought your sisters and now you feel like you seem you've only been thinking about yourself? Well, darling..you do think about yourself a lot...it's good that I'm here to keep you grounded..it's a good that I'm allowing you to experience life, it's awesome that I'm allowing you to experience Me. You disappoint yourself more than you disappoint Me, but don't worry sweetheart, I've chosen you. We're in this journey together, you and Me forever..I promise."

"I try to be good enough, but I'm nothing without Your love. Savior, please keep saving me."

He has shown you, o man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? But to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. -Micah 6:8

Lost Within Your Mystery

Lately I've been thinking in poetry..not even intentionally. wow, i promise i didn't plan that to rhyme--it's been happening all the time! (hmm haha) Even in my prayer journal..I'll write a prayer, whatever is on my heart and it just flows. It's kind of really cool. I have an awesome one from when i was in New Zealand, but I think it could be a good song, so I'll hold off. Here's my prayer from about five minutes ago.

LORD, here I am.

Old Testament and New..

I completely believe in You.

Wherever I come from, wherever I've been,

You joyfully cleanse me of my sin.

My heart, it hurts..for what it's worth.

Conviction. I am aware.

More so I should BEware

The hold of Satan's deadly snare.

I need You now, You know I am weak.

I'm faulty, unreliable..but it's life I seek.

Abundance. You are the answer.

Jesus, You are the key.

Open the door, Pappa, let me be

Lost within Your mystery

Hands up high, on both my knees

I feel You, Lord. I'm surrendering

Open the door, Pappa, let me be

Lost within Your mystery

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear,

and put their trust in the LORD.

-Psalm 40:3

Child-like Child and Growing-up Grown-up

So I think I'm growing up - it's weird, but reassuring. Of course, I never want to lose my youthfulness..I'll always want to go on adventures, play on the monkey bars, and get overly excited about ice-cream.

But I feel like this time of my life is one of choosing God's will over my own, which makes me grown up. I've noticed that the self-centered mindset I've always had relinquishes more and more with time. A friend said to me the other day, "Do you know we all look at you like a little girl?" I said..."what?!" Immediately I was offended, thinking because I have a clean mouth and an innocent perspective on life that I'm labeled a 19-year old child. Then he said, "Because you are always so sweet, and smiling, and doing nice things." I thought, "That makes everyone see me as a little girl?!Man, I need to stop being sweet!" When I got home that evening, I thought about it a little more, obviously bothered by his statement...then I remembered what Jesus said in Luke 18:17 - "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

and Matthew 18:3 - "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

and Mark 10:15 - "Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Now call me a child again! Pleasee!

A week or so later I started getting the urge to be responsible, which you know is a weakness of mine. My priorities have always been a little bit mixed up. First Jesus, yes, then relationships and friendships (to the point where I never say no to social events when I have greater responsibilities), then music (which always always always comes before homework), then diet and exercise, then money..and then school falls down there somewhere.

Yes, relationships are important to me, songwriting is important me, but it isn't God's will is not for me to be irresponsible. I've been praying for responsibility (as a trait, not an addition to my must-do-now list), and I think the Lord is really giving it to me! God is teaching me to be child-like where I should be child-like and grown-up where I should be grown up. Not what my family expected for my study-abroad trip, but yes, what I expect. I wanted growth (and I still want growth). It's a process, but I know I'm growing up! I have a job interview next week (pray for me) and I've finished two papers a day and a half before they're due!! -- that's a huge step btw.

Next for today - jog to worship music in the lovely Australian spring weather, finish half of an essay due next week, play a little piano, study hard for a test next week, dance with a hairbrush and sing to the mirror, go to Regen (young adult church group), and hang out with my close friends here. yessss, action - you go Laura, you can do it.

The Reason I Love You vs. the Reason I Seek You

Just then some men brought to Him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, "Have courage, son, your sins are forgiven." At this, some of the scribes said among themselves, "He's blaspheming!" But perceiving their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why are you thinking evil things in your hearts? For which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? But so you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins," --then He told the paralytic, "Get up, pick up your stretcher, and go home." And he got up and went home. When the crowds saw this, they were awestruck and gave glory to God who had given such authority to men.
-Matthew 9:2-8

God,
Let my prayer be that my sins are forgiven, not that my imperfections are made perfect. Let me praise You for the wonderful thing you did for me on the cross, rather than all the wonderful things You do to* me everyday, like fill me with peace and joy. I love that You love to show me Your love. But my first desire is to be thankful for Your sacrifice, then to be reminded of Your victory (which begets my victory!) through all the loving things you do to* me. Thank You that you don't need to heal my infirmities for me to have life!..And thank you that you heal them anyway. You are so good.

<3>to me I mean also for me, in the present. It is simply a way to differentiate
the reason I love the Lord (His sacrifice on the cross a really long time ago allows me to have life now and forever); and
the reason I seek the Lord (wisdom-knowledge-peace-joy in The Holy Spirit, The Bible, prayer, visions, prophesies, community, healing. Comfort, happiness, fulfillment, life to the full)
And I quote John 10:10 once again
"I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full."
Food for thought: If you were to evaluate your life right now, would you say that you have "life to the full?" If not, I have the answer for you! It's the only answer! Do you want it?! -- Seek Jesus! I pinky promise you'll love Him if you get to know Him.

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"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people!"
James 4:6

I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding, and have the knowledge of God's mystery--Christ. In Him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.
-Colossians 2:3

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me."
-John 14:6

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Man, my wisdom is so scarce. I want itttt, I want morreee!!

Simplicity, Satisfaction

Simplicity. mmm...close my eyes, alone in a dark room and listen to Shane and Shane's "Psalm 145"

"For You open Your hands and satisfy the desires of all things"

Satisfaction? I want growth, yeah, so dissatisfaction to some extent. But I nearly cried on the train a few days ago watching a mentally handicap man sit alone, unable to hold his head up for more than a few seconds at a time..uncertain of how he would know where to stop as no one was traveling with him. I put my hand on his arm and said, "Hi, I hope you have a wonderful day." I knew he wouldn't be able to respond to question such as "how are you?" He didn't realize I had spoken to him, or even held his arm until about 5 seconds later.

Before I approahed him I gave a few smiles from my seat..he couldn't smile back :(
I wandered..
"who is he traveling to see? who's life is he a part of? does he do this every thursday? everyday? what are the people who care about him like? how many random people besides me has he truly touched? does he know the Lord loves him? i want to tell him. wait (looking around)..do any of these people know the Lord loves them?"

I started thinking about the term "quality of life." I'm a marketing major. To sell, we make our audience believe that whatever product or service we offer will improve their quality of life. But seriously what's wrong with the quality of life we have now? Aren't I given food to eat every day and a cozy bed every night? Don't I have people in my life to share good and bad things with? Aren't I able to feel, to see, to taste, to smell, to hear? Don't I have two legs and two arms that help me do things I enjoy like dance and play guitar? Isn't my mind functioning enough to understand that MY GOD IS GOOD. ?

When I got off the train I pulled out the journal my sister got me upon leaving, and started reading over some prayers and scriptures that are special to me..that is how I improve my quality of life. Yes, I have an abundance, but if I must want something (our nature says we always do, always have, and always will) ..I'm gonna want more of Jesus <3 What else are we missing???. . .

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You open Your hands and satisfy the desires of all every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all His ways and loving toward all He has made. The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them. -Psalm 145:16-19

..for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret to being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:11b-13

"Empty Isn't For Me"

(c) 2010 Laura K Webb

Out in a big field pickin strawberries

nobody's wonderin what or where is Jesus now

cause we've got Jesus now

Long for the day when they whole world's singin

Jesus praise and the world aint bringin' hurt no more

all people hurt no more

empty, feelin guilty? or lonely, are you empty?

empty. . .

An empty grave has claimed my victory

an empty heart now filled completely

an empty life, now satisfied

An empty promise put to death

an empty mind now understands

that being empty isn't for me

empty isn't for me

Out in the ocean wandering deeper

bind my wondering heart to thee Lord

hear me sing this hymn of offering

Prone to wander, Lord I feel it

prone to leave the God I love

here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it

seal if for thy courts above

empty, feelin guilty? or lonely, are you empty?

empty. . .

An empty grave has claimed my

victory

an empty heart now filled completely

an empty life, now satisfied

An empty promise put to death

an empty mind now understands

that being empty isn't for me

empty isn't for me

Just Being With the Lord

You know how there are like a thousand scriptures that tell us the Lord is good?? God really must want us to know He's good. Seriously, every time I look to Him or surrender something new rather than wallow in self-pity or become angry etc. etc., the Lord does something unthinkable that just makes me say, "Wow God, you are sooooo good! LORD ahh you are so good! why are you so good to me(mid sentence): ..ahh yeahh, because You LOVE me! yeah, You love me a really really..lot." haha!

Choosing to be in an environment where spirituality is scarce teaches me the importance of just being with the LORD. His presence is so peaceful, so fulfilling, so delightful. And when we don't spend time daily, hourly even, with GOD (who "knows when we sit and when we rise, who knit us together in our mother's womb") we forget just how beautiful and phenomenal the very presence of the Holy Spirit is. Who on this earth could be a better friend? Who on this earth can understand exactly what we're thinking and feeling all the time? Who on this earth even cares that much??? - yeah, no one! We like ourselves. We listen to our own thoughts and ponder our own feelings, wish for things subconsciously and consciously..for ourselves. What do I wear today? What do I want to eat? Does he or she think I am cute? I want to travel the world. I need a job. I am not feeling well.

It's nice to know that although it is our very nature to be all about us, we can just be in the presence of God. ("Come just as you are") And when we deliberately just be in the presence of God, we are all about HIM being all about us.

Believers :
There is an entire world right in front of you and stretched our farther than you can imagine..an entire world of people who NEED LIFE. They don't know. The don't understand. They are lost sheep and it is not God's will for them to perish. How about we stop thinking about ourselves???..and contemplate acting upon the reason we are living. WHO gives us life? WHO gives us freedom? WHO gives us peace? WHO is for us (on our side)??...Isn't the same God also for them?

Let's stop judging outside of the church,
start being accountable inside the church,
seek what more we need to surrender,
act on His Precious Word,
and let's take on the characteristics of Jesus so we can live Our Best Life (as Luke Williams calls a spiritual life).

I'll help you and you help me, deal?...and both of us have the LORD!!! yessssss!!!!!!

I woke up groggy tuesday morning, and just didn't feel like opening my Bible, or praying or doing anything good...but did ..and ended up crying I was so filled with joy because I have Life. andddd AMEN. (If you want it, ask me about it!)

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LORD, You have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I stand up;
You understand my thoughts from far away.
you observe my travels and my rest;
You are aware of all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue,
You know all about it, LORD.
You have encircled me;
You have placed Your hand on me.
This extraordinary knowledge is beyond me.
It is lofty; I am unable to attain it.
Where can I go to escape Your Spirit?
Where can I flee from Your presence?
If I go up to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.
If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits,
even there Your hand will lead me;
Your right hand will hold on to me.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light around me become night" --
even darkness is not dark to You. The night shines like the day;
darkness and light are alike to You.
For it was You who created my inward parts;
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made.
Your works are wonderful,
and I know this very well.
My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret,
when I was formed in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw me when I was formless;
all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.
God how difficult Your thoughts are for me to comprehend;
how vast their sum is!
If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand;
when I wake up, I am still with You.

-Psalm 139:1-18


Therefore, God's chosen ones,
holy and loved, put on
heartfelt compassion
kindness
humility
gentleness, and
patience,
accepting one another and forgiving one another..

-Colossians 3:12a

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
-Proverbs 18:24

The LORD is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.
-Psalm 145:9

Give thanks to the LORD for He is good; His love endures forever.
-Psalm 136:1

I said to the LORD, "You are my LORD, I have no good besides You."
-Psalm 16:2

"I am the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know Me."
-John 10:14

"I am the Bread of Life"
"I am the Light of the World"
"I am Resurrection and the Life"


woahhh COME ON, LORD!!

The Lord answers prayer, no really..He does!!

I don't know how long I've been praying Lord please bless this and that and give me this and give this person that and open my eyes and protect us and let Your name be lifted high...without any expectations really. But I've come to find more and more that the Lord really does hear me, and He really does answer my prayers. And every time I'm astounded, so thankful and amazed..which is good, but honestly..did I not expect God to actually give me peace when I prayed for peace??..Did I not expect Him to actually give me an opportunity to speak truth with boldness to specific friends??..Did I honestly not expect God to actually take care of me financially when I ask Him to be Lord of my finances, then wake up to a random email saying I get $500 extra scholarship?? I'm like wow, God!! to sooo many things!! I can't tell you how many prayers have been answered specifically since I've been in Australia...and I'm not talking about general things like "Lord, I know wisdom is a good thing to pray for so I ask for wisdom"..I'm talking,

"Lord, give me an amazing opportunity to share The Gospel with [this person]" ..and two hours later having a question/answer session about Christianity

"Wow, Lord..how about a few opportunities to mention Your goodness to [this other person]"..and without thinking twice, mentioning God's faithfulness and love easily in conversation for the next three days straight.

"Jesus, help me and [this diff person] to find community, and raise questions that You will give me the answers to for [this diff person specifically]" ..and having the chance to speak truth into the lies satan has been adamantly telling, having talked about a serious struggle then walking into church and within 5 minutes hearing truth spoken specifically to that struggle, taking the next step to say "have you asked Jesus into your heart, for salvation, freedom, life?"

The list goes on and on...I ask Him to take my burdens, He takes them, I ask God to humble me and lift His name up, He does it, I give my ongoing difficulties with class transfers, He fixes everything

The Lord is so faithful, I just want everyone to know...I want everyone to feel what He makes me feel, to understand what He allows me to understand...and the best thing is He has sooooooo much more!! Wow..I really do have a reason to live, to sing, to eat, to speak, to dance, to love, to surrender!

MY GOD IS SO GOOD!
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But when he asks he should believe and not doubt..
- James 1:6a

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
- Psalm 37:4

May he give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
- Psalm 20:4

But the Lord is faithful, he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Praise the LORD.
give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
His faithful love endures forever.
- Psalm 106:1

So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD, it will be provided."
- Genesis 22:14

(Yahweh-Yireh) (Jehovah Jireh) = The LORD Will Provide

"For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
-Matthew 7:8

Born into sin, not homosexuality

Yesterday I got the opportunity to explain the difference between religion and Christianity. For some people, having a relationship with God is a completely foreign idea..it's hearbreaking. I wish they could know how much they're missing out on. Anyways, I spoke with two people from different countries about several different ways of thinking. It was very nice..they were asking me questions and I was taking my time to answer them carefully, although I am not wise, nor do I claim to be. It was great to flat out say, "Yes, I believe in the Bible. I believe that the Word of God is truth, and not just stories for us to learn from." Several parts of the 2-3 hour long conversation proved breakthrough in the boldness I had been praying for because I usually shy away from touchy subjects in the event that I might offend someone -- One was agnosticism, and another popular one..
"Do you believe homosexuality is wrong?..What about people who were 'born' with it?"

We are born into sin. And yes, homosexuality is wrong.

"Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters not adulturers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders will inherit the kingdom of God."
-1 Corinthians 6:10

"If a man lies with a man, as a man lies with a woman, both of them has done what is detestable.."
-Leviticus 20:13

Homosexuality is a sin, no greater than any sin I've commited..one is not born homosexual. If the enemy is attacking a person with the sin of homosexuality, he or she should pray victory over that part of his or her life...The Lord designed him/her to serve himself..he has more for that person.
The problem is, as a general, the lost world doesn't know Jesus, and doesn't know that satans exists. Therefore we get teach silly answers for twisted feelings.

To the person who struggles with thoughts of being gay or who acts upon those thoughts. You were not born gay. The devil wants to destroy you. The Lord loves you. He has more for you than that.

As a testimony, one of my dear friends struggled with feelings of homosexuality for many years as a young child. She knew it was wrong to act upon it, but the thought consumed her. She finally sought spiritual counsel and the Lord made her free. She is one of the strongest, funnest Christian girls I know and has absolutely no desire to ever look at or be with a woman. Praise the Lord.

Then after desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin, when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. Don't be deceived, my dearly loved brothers. -James 1:15-16

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of his love, in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgivness of sins.
-Colossians 1:13-14

Wonderful things in store for you

Several of my friends struggle with anxiety, worrying about the future, financial concerns, temporary struggles, etc. I've been in a place where thoughts of the future drown my head and heart..and while my burdens were always on my mind, I didn't realize just how much the enemy was using them to separate me from the fullness of joy the Lord wanted for me...wants for us. If there is something, anything that we think about more than 3-4 times a day, it is really likely that we still need to give that something to God, even if we feel like we already have. The thing with sacrificing burdens or allowing the Lord to "break off more of ourselves," is that if satan believes he can get us to pick up those things again and head back to square one..he'll do absolutely whatever it takes to make sure we do so...or on the other end of the spectrum..while we're working on giving one the to God, he'll slip right underneath our feet to snatch something else. On that note, I encourage you to never not pray against something you don't struggle with at the moment.

ex. I don't drink and I don't plan on drinking, it doesn't even sound appetizing..so I don't need to pray for protection in that area.

I've never had a problem with looking at people lustfully, so I'll skip that prayer.

etc, etc, etc.

....that is exactly the mindset satan wants us to have, if you aren't aware of that.

Back to worrying..Jesus really does have more for you that you can't see if your head is filled with doubts. He really does want to carry your burdens..yes, all of them. You see the thing is, He really does love you..soooo stinkin much. <3

God has WONDERFUL things in store for you. The key to really seeing those things fulfilled is being fascinated with Jesus..

-dig into the Bible and meditate on His words

-memorize scripture to say aloud or in your head when something you struggle with pops back in your mind

-turn on worship music in your room, and just sit there and soak in the presence of the Lord.

-lay your selfish fears of rejection or lack of wisdom aside and bring up Jesus in a conversation..remember what we're created for.

let go!! God really does know better than you. He has better for you than what you have planned for yourself, so lay it down!

In his heart a man plans his course, but it is the Lord who determines his steps. -Proverbs 16:9

Keep asking and you will receive, keep searching and you will find, keep knocking and the door will be opened to you. -Matthew 7:7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. -Philippians 4:6

I sought the LORD and He heard me, and delivered me from all of my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame. -Psalm 34:4-5

"Be still and know that I am God.." -Psalm 46:10a

The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I have come that you may have life, and have it in abundance. -John 10:10

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart. I will be found by you," declared the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity.." -Jeremiah 29:11-14a

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory which far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. -2 Corinthians 6:17-18

As a testimony, these are all verses I have memorized..and I cannot tell you how many times they have been incredibly useful for kingdom work. memorize, memorize, memorize. Bad memory you say? ..Take it one step at a time, and pray that God will seal the words in your heart and mind. I promise you will have the opportunity in your mind.

On so many accounts, I've said, "oooohhhh my gosh, I wish I knew that verse to tell you because I know it would help a lot."

Know the word, know the truth.

Saturday, July 31
My heart is broken. I have searched the internet for months looking for a protestant church in Melbourne..I've asked around, and searched around..next to nothing. It appears that as a general, Christianity comes across as "offensive" here..The most awful, wrong thing a person could do is try to convert people. Apparantly there was a big commotion about 5 Hillsong Church singers being in the top of Australian Idol, because they are only trying to change the media to what they believe."
..Meanwhile, people need Jesus. Religion this, tradition that, it's about what you've always known and always done. I've started having intentional conversations, but the idea of having a relationship with the Lord rather than "religion for the sake of religion" is almost unheard of.

Sunday, August 1
THE LORD IS SO FAITHFUL! I knew The Good Shepherd would provide pasuture for me to feed (John 10)!! My Aussie/Baylor friend Emma and I found a church very much like my home church in Waco, and loved everything about it. On top of that, the doubts Emma had about every church in Melbourne being judgemental, and every topic of conversation that sprungfrom the such..was brought into light at the service Sunday at Crossway Baptist Church. We were both simply stunned at the works of JESUS CHRIST the ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN just from that morning.

And again I will astound these people with wander after wander. -Isaiah 29:14

Tomorrow night we go for the 20's life group : D

Sweet Are the Kisses

"I called to the LORD in distress; and the LORD answered me and put me in a spacious place."
-Psalm 118:5


You are the bread of life I feed on

Your loving eyes I long to see from

and You have the heart that I need


Your precious word I want to feed on

Your tender love I long to feel in my

secret hiding place


..what a sweet, sweet thought

what a sweet, sweet God..


and sweet are the kisses You lay on my cheek

while I'm silently waiting to pour all of me at Your feet

oh my God, captivate me


sweet is the feel of the sun in my hair

when I dance up the mountain and You meet me there

and You greet me

with sweet, sweet kisses on my cheek


You are The King, You are majesty

Jesus, I believe that You still chose me

and You seek me with all of Your big heart


..what a sweet, sweet thought

what a sweet, sweet God..


sweet are the kisses You lay on my cheek

while I'm silently waiting to pour all of me at Your feet

oh my God, captivate me


sweet is the feel of the sun in my hair

when I dance up the mountain and You meet me there

and You greet me

with sweet, sweet kisses on my cheek


..what a sweet, sweet God..


(c) 2010 Laura K Webb

Iron and iron

I was sitting in the Dallas airport with my Bible and journal, back turned to two businessmen. I had just read and mediated on this verse:

Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it. -Matthew 7:13

This verse is convicting, inspiring, awesome, and also makes me sad. After working through each part, I zoomed in on "life, and few find it." ...My heart just ripped in half! I start looking around at all the different people hustling and bustling, sleeping, reading, talking, working..How many of these people breathe, sleep, eat, laugh, cry, play, live...but don't have life?? Do they even realize that they are on ta road that leads to destruction?? How many of them say to their buddy, "Man I'm headed toward destruction, it's great!!" ..? How many of them say, "Girl he took me home last night, it was great," "Bro you've gotta try this stuff it's great" "Wow if I could look like him/her, that would be great," "My wife will never know, or she'll forgive me in a week, it's great," "I could end it all now and everyone's life would be great" ...... "MAN I'M HEADED TOWARD DESTRUCTION! IT'S. . .hmm"

Then He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." -Matthew 16:15-16

"The theif comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance." - John 10:10b

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I overhear one businessman saying to the other, "Get yourself [something nice], you deserve it. You deserve it!"

What a twisted theology --> We work hard, so we deserve something.
Truth: We as Christians deserve death, but we get life (because Jesus is mercy, grace, love, compassion, life). And we give people SILLY advice. No, it is not okay to to pat our friends on the back and "oh yeah that, haha, yeahh that's ok :)" "man that stupid boy/girl, it's all his/her fault" "well, you were just angry and you have every right to be" "haha ah i can't believe you did that, but it is funny" {blah blah it's easy to provide silly responses to avoid friction at any cost, thus avoiding TRUTH when TRUTH needs not be avoided} ..guilty here. Have you ever listened to a friend or aquaintance talk and think.."oh no, my heart breaks for you..i hate that you are caught up in this mess..i wish you could see the truth in this situation..do you know that satan is pleased with your actions? Do you understand what this is doing to your relationship with Jesus?..." Seriously, by sugar coating the truth that your friend desperately needs (and is probably desperately seeking for), you are leading him to destruction. you are leading her to destruction.

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." -Proverbs 27:17


Iron against iron is not pretty happy hearts and butterflies.. it grinds and sparks, and screeches...yet the outcome is sharpened iron. If one iron gently pats the other iron, will either be sharpened? No!! The iron will continue being dull, and will not be used by the Iron Man - great movie btw. Sure, the truth isn't always easy. Sparks may fly. But if you are attempting to be a peacemaker as scripture calls us to be..sweetheart "it's fine honey" doesn't always cut it.
And seek the Lord before you give advice. MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE, YOU WILL FIND IT TO BE VERYYYY USEFUL. Don't speak only from things you've heard or ramble about what you think may be the right thing to say..especially don't give advice out of duty or to fill the space because sometimes we just don't know what to say. If you simply ask, "Jesus give me the words to say to my friend" during the conversation..

Keep asking and you will receive, keep seeking and you will find, keep knocking and the door will be opened to you. -Matthew 7:7 (Luke 11:9)

I am not wise. You are not wise. Seek, receive, give from the Lord. Pray for the right words and the right timing.
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One time my sister was translating a very special prayer and conversation between a hispanic and american woman. Although she was translating wonderfully, speaking what was spoken, breaking the language barrier for God's will to be done..afterwards, she couldn't have told you much of what had been said, or how to even say many of the words in spanish...The Holy Spirit is alive in us. Let Him do the talking.

"..making the best use of time"

I had a completely morbid dream a few nights ago.. I dreamt that I had to euthanize myself with some sort of lip balm because I was sick, and my family and friends were all sharing my last moments with me. I put the balm on early (and without giving my family any notice), then felt myself drift away slowly. Suddenly reality set in, and I regretted not cherishing any last moment I could have with the people who love me more than anything in the world. I started telling everyone how grateful I was to have shared life with them...but I hadn't put on enough of the balm to die. I got up, and went to the bathroom to pray. I didn't feel peace about dying anymore..not because I wasn't excited and secure about my eternity in heaven, but because my death was hurting people--the ones I hurt for when they feel any sort of pain..It was extremely unsettling.

Subconciously, I woke up singing Carl Cartee's "All things New" in my head.



"So we watch and we wait and we hope and we pray You will come and make all things new. And we won't be afraid as we hope for the day You will come and make all things new, all things new."

Today a friend of mine texted me Ephesians 5:15-16a - "Look carefully, then, how you walk--not us unwise but as wise, making the best use of time.."

Too often we drown in our own thoughts and concerns, shrugging off opportunities to love selflessly. This dream, and my leaving the country shortly encouraged me to evaluate the time d spent with my favorite people - my family and closest friends. If it was snatched away, would I be thankful with how I spent my time? Was I "present" when I hung out with them? Was I actively listening, laying my own burdens down to share theirs? Was I making peace? Was I intentional about spending quality time with them? Was I encouraging joy and laughter? Was I acknowledging the presence of God, and my part in His perfect design for their life?

Food for thought: We fb how much we love each other, but are we really loving??

and so I'll seek

Wisdom calls out in the street;
she raises her voice in the public squares.
She cries out above the commotion;
she speaks at the entrance of the city gates:
"How long, foolish ones, will you love ignorance?
How long will you mockers enjoy mocking
and you fools hate knowledge?
If you turn to my discipline,
then I will pour out my spirit on you
and teach you my words.

-Proverbs 1:20-23



Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. -1 Corinthians 10:24



He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it. -Proverbs 11:27



Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life. Wisdom and strength belong to God; counsel and understanding are His. -Job 12:13


Amos 5

"Seek Me and live!" (v4)

"Seek Yahweh and live" (v5)

"Seek good and not evil so that you may live, and the LORD, the god of Hosts, will be with you, as you have claimed. Hate evil and love good.." (v14, 15a)



"You will seek Me and find Me when you search for me with all of your heart. I will be found by you," decrlares the LORD" -Jeremiah 29:13

For wisdom is better than precious stones, and nothing desirable can compare with it. -Proverbs 8:11

Those who seek Me diligently will find Me. -Proverbs 8:17b

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As a kid I'd pick the little white flowers and wish for wisdom. When I had an eyelash on my cheek, I'd wish for wisdom. I had absolutely no clue about the meaning of wisdom, but I wanted it because I had heard it was good.

My motives changed, I became increasingly selfish, and little by little my innocent "wishes" turned into worldy desires. I wanted succes. I wanted attention. I wanted outward beauty. I wanted water from dry springs. Again I grew up and my heart was softened to the things I'd been seeking...but once I had experienced victory in one area, I'd experience defeat in another.

Scripture is very enlightening. Proverbs teaches wisdom and about wisdom. Jesus says "hey, princess, daughter, sweetheart. . .seek Me." Only this time when I am convinced to seek something I perceive to be good, there is promise attached..

and so I'll seek wisdom because I have none.

"Seek Me and live!" (Amos 5:4)

. . .and so I'll seek Jesus

"Do not awaken love until the appropriate time"

Young women of Jerusalem, I charge you, by the gazelles and the wild does of the field: do not stir up or awaken love until the appropriate time. -Song of Solomon 2:7

My love is mine and I am his.. -Song of Solomon 2:7

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My number one role model, influence, and best friend forever is my big sis. After reading through Song of Solomon today, I wrote a song honoring the godly love Becca and her fiance Christopher share. "Sister and Christer's" relationship is pure, youthful, and sure to last a lifetime :). Most young girls (and plenty of older ones) I assume would be envious of such a relationship...envious of the commitment, the status, the playful interaction, the gorgeous Christian man....the rooomance!
Now, I'm a sucker for romance...corny pickup lines, flowers, sweet notes or pictures, anything mushy and gross...and yes, I like romance novels, and watch too many chick-flicks.
But I'll be the first to say that I'm simply inspired by the wonderful life my sister and Christopher will soon share. From being somewhat on the inside of their relationship to see the good-bad-ugly-beautiful mesh into something lovely, I am reassured of the benefits of "putting my heart on hold."

The Lord is my shepherd, nothing shall I want. -Psalm 23:1

If your right eye causes you to sin gauge it out and throw it away.. -Matthew 5:29 (This idea is repeated several times scripture.) If the romance novels, etc. , leave us "wanting". . .this is not pleasing to the Lord...and everything is expendible if it means growing closer to the Lord. P.s the Bible has so many wonderful love stories.


Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. -Proverbs 4:23

If I anticipate that God set apart one man for me to love and be loved by in this temporary life, why on earth would I hand my heart out to anyone else?!

Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God -1Corinthians 10:31

This verse brings a whole new light to what we sweethearts like to call a "crush." Attracted to a guy, Laura? Stop and asses. Am I attracted to the darlin's Christ-like qualities? Am I attracted to the modest way he interacts with me and other girls? When I notice his physical attributes, am I thanking God for making Christian men wholesomely pleasing to the eye? (brief tangent: Too often the new guy is "cute and he's a Christian!" instead of "He loves the Lord with all his heart, and he's pretty cute too!") Is the guy pursuing me, and in a way that is pleasing to Jesus?
If not, note to self: Turn your head, walk away, and thank God that He is your portion!

God is love. He knows how to love. He loves incredibly well. Any affection I feel should be for the Lord, who is all I could want and much much more.

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Besides, psychologists propose a positive correlation between age and ability to control emotion. I like being young, but I would never go back to early teenage years. Not that I have it all together now...nor will I ever. Shwoooh praise Jesus I'm not living this life alone!

Whom should I fear?

I heard Clayton King's sermon Life and Death four weeks in a row this summer; and still I need to be reminded of God's message in John 10 over and over....and over and over and over.

The words written in my journal from this sermon have been and will continue to be a sort of grounds to live by, especially as I anticipate attack this semester. Not only am I reminded that there is a theif who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy..but that Jesus came so that I may..we may..have life and have it in abundance. :D



"I am the gate. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture." (v.9)



The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom should I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom should I be afraid? -Psalm 27:1



I am the sheep. Jesus is my shepherd. I am confident that the Shepherd will continue to provide

pasture for the sheep to feed



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So Jesus said again, "I assure you: I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn't listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." - John 10:7-11



"My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish--ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand." - John 10:27-28



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So much power in the Word, so much wisdom, so much freedom!! I wish I could memorize it all!

No one lights a lamp and hides it under a bowl or puts it under a bed. Instead, everyone who lights a lamp puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in will see the light.
-Luke 8:16

No one lights a lamp and puts it in the cellar or under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see its light.
-Luke 11:33

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My upcoming Australia trip started as a thought when I was a junior in high school. For unexplained, but probably selfish reasons, I've always had a burningggg desire to specifically visit Australia.
Adventure (noun) - 1. an exciting or very unusual experience. 3. a bold, usually risky undertaking; hazardous action of uncertain outcome
Adventure is my second favorite word in the dictionary (next to love); and if you spend time with me, you know my two favorite things to do are 1.love people 2.adventure..and you've heard me say things like "I love to love!" , "Life is an adventure", "Let's adventurrrree!"

Australia will undoubtedly be the adventure of a lifetime, but I'm as wary as I am excited.
Temptation is real, sin is captivating, and Satan wants to devour me.

From you I'm asking for spiritual accountability, encouragement, prayer, scripture, anything to help me fight the enemy. I believe in my heart that this semester will be a time of rest in the Lord, but also a time of unsettling truths, strife for unmistakable identity, and hopefully persecution.
My desire is not to live with both feet in two very different paths, but to "flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness" (2 Timothy 2:22)

My purpose in lighting my lamp.."to put it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see the light."
Jesus-light. Laura's actions, thoughts, words, body, attitude-lampstand.

Friends, please be intentional about praying for me and asking me what new things I am or need to be surrendering to GOD..and how I'm sharing JESUS with the people around me who desperately need LIFE.