That he would send his son to die for me, to erase all my sins so that I will be able to spend all my days with Him sitting at His feet, and praising all the day long.
How wonderful, how marvelous, how glorious is my God!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Monday, August 19, 2013
1st John 4:10
In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. -1 John 4:10
Atoning: to make reparations for past mistakes - Christ was flawless, he didn't make mistakes, and yet in all his perfection, he chose to die in order to amend my wrongs, my sins, my mistakes that I could not fix on my own. He loved me that much. That much.
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loves us. We don't have to feel prepared or ready, we don't even have to be prepared or ready, we just have to be willing.
Because he created us with a purpose in mind. With a plan in mind. He loved us enough to believe that we could complete the work he has planned for us to do.
In this is love. Our time is a gift of love. A gift back to He who created us. Love is such a heady concept. It's an emotion, a feeling, a choice, and a decision. It is a gift, both given and received. It is both the easiest and hardest thing in the universe. The greatest of these is love. It flows as freely as a river, and with equal force.
It is powerful. More powerful even than the devil himself. Because God's love is abounding, and so great and powerful. God's love rescued us from the chains that bound us. It freed us. God's love paid the price for our freedom.
In everything you do, fill it with love. Be stronger and more courageous. God isn't asking us to be ready, he is asking us to love. Love on people, love through service, love through sacrifices of our own. Love faithfully and relentlessly and purposefully.
Be unafraid, for this journey you embark on is your mission. It is of My choosing and I have chosen you. Allow me to use you and rejoice in all My work. Rejoice in Me. Rest in Me, my child for I love you. More than life itself, I have loved you and will love you. You are my joy. You are my creation. You are precious and good and loved. Sing and dance and rejoice. Rejoice. Be in my presence.
Remain in my presence.
Until my work I have completed in you is finished. Until you are spent, every dime of you, in me.
Such a good hour spent with my savior. I feel so full and peaceful and rested.
Love Always,
Lacy Brianne
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Devotional 2 - Conquering Temptation
July 9th, 2013
"...I have written to you, young people, that you are strong, and the word of God resides in you, and you have conquered the evil one." 1 John 2:14
First of all let me say that temptation is a dreadful thing, and the devil will do anything to reek havoc on what God intended for good.
When we find ourselves in that place of temptation, we are not the only ones who ache at it. God hurts right along with us. However, there is redemption in Him, and that is the greatest part.
Because although the devil is strong, our Lord is strongest. Although the devil is cunning, our Lord is magnificent. Although temptation may be laid in our path, through God, we can easily step over it.
Through that, we can let the things that He imagined and dreamed up for us fall into place. Through Him, we can be more real and open and honest than we have been, for all the right reasons, and in all the right ways. He can use us to build one another up, rather than allowing something destructive to take over.
God first remember. Through Him we can conquer all.
Love,
Lacy
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Food for Thought - Bread and Life
Well, little girl twenty one you never thought that this would come
You starve yourself to play the part
But I can promise you there's a man whose love is true
And He'll treat you like the jewel you are
-"More Beautiful You" by Jonny Diaz
I was listening to this song on the radio yesterday as I was driving, and something about the line "you starve yourself to play the part" hit me so differently for the first time.
Hebrews 4:12 says "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Until yesterday I had it stuck in my head that this meant the bible, you know? God's word. But I have suddenly come to realize that God doesn't consider the bible to be the only "living word". I wholeheartedly believe that he uses our talents to pursue the hearts of others, whether that be through our own words, or like in this case, through music.
You see I love this song, and have listened to it no less than 50 times. I believe in an ever present God, and if God's presence is what makes the bible living, why wouldn't He be able to give life to other sets of words created to glorify him?
So let's focus on one little part of this song. "Well, little girl twenty one you never thought that this would come
You starve yourself to play the part"
A few years ago, I had a battle with an eating disorder, so naturally when I heard "starve" my first thought was "not eat" right?
But what does starve really mean? Not necessarily not eating...but not being nourished...which are two entirely different things wrapped in the same envelope.
There are a lot of things that keep us from being nourished. Nourishment is not limited to the things we put in our mouth.
Matthew 4:4 says "4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
So this starvation can come from separating ourselves from God and from his words, even if the distance is only mild. It also can mean starving ourselves of His presence.
In the song it talks about her starving herself for a man. Ladies, if your man is not being the spiritual leader in your relationship, he is in a sense starving you. In the same way, if you are not challenging him to step up, and be the man of God that you desire, that God desires for his daughters, then you are starving yourself.
Our desire to be in God's presence should be as strong as the hunger pains in our stomach.
So there is some food for thought, no pun intended!
Always,
Lacy
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Traditions We Should Probably NOT Keep Next Year
As I'm sure you're well aware, this is the time of year for everyone to share their nifty little family traditions. Whether it be reading a certain book by the fireplace, cooking with Grandma's secret recipes, or unintentionally burning the turkey so many times that it's just not the holidays otherwise, we all have quirky little things our families do every year.
While my family has many normal traditions that have been carried on through the generations, we also have some that are probably not so...well...sane.
As you have probably come to know, my younger sister Lexi is my partner in crime. Literally.
I'm not exactly sure when all this started, but at some point during our youth we decided we wanted to come up with some tradtions of our own, and Lexi being the daredevil that she is, decided to try to give us hypothermia...on a yearly basis...every year for the rest. of. our. lives.
Let me tell you a story.
When I was a young'un, probably about the ripe old age of 8, we had an unreasonably cold winter. I, being the summer baby that I am, was very very very tired of the weather, so Lexi and I decided that we were going to crank up the heater and sit in our rooms in our bathing suits, watch The Little Mermaid, and pretend it was Summer.
(Insert God's laughter here)
Because during our day in the Tropics, it started to snow outside. Then the snow started to stick. So my lovin' momma called us downstairs to look at it, and then laughed when she saw our attire.
Here comes the moment of insanity.
I'm not sure who's bright idea this was, but one of us decided it would be great to run down to the bottom of the yard through the snow. Barefoot. In our bathing suits.
Just what were we thinking, you may ask? I honestly have no clue. But it was probably Lexi's idea.
So we made a tradition of it. As soon as we got a good inch of snow on the ground for the first time each year, we would run the full acre length of the yard barefoot in our bikinis. And this year was no different. Okay, well this year was a little different, because we were in mixed company so we had on a little extra clothing.
The thing that you should take away from the previous sentence is not that we were clothed, but that we are now infecting other people with our craziness, and lack of self preservation. Peer Pressure!
In the words of Dylan, (the guy who forgot his beenie) "We're doing what?!?! This is a Terrible tradition!" and one that we will continue for many years to come :)
Pictures to come soon!!
Happy Holidays!!
Lacy Brianne
While my family has many normal traditions that have been carried on through the generations, we also have some that are probably not so...well...sane.
As you have probably come to know, my younger sister Lexi is my partner in crime. Literally.
I'm not exactly sure when all this started, but at some point during our youth we decided we wanted to come up with some tradtions of our own, and Lexi being the daredevil that she is, decided to try to give us hypothermia...on a yearly basis...every year for the rest. of. our. lives.
Let me tell you a story.
When I was a young'un, probably about the ripe old age of 8, we had an unreasonably cold winter. I, being the summer baby that I am, was very very very tired of the weather, so Lexi and I decided that we were going to crank up the heater and sit in our rooms in our bathing suits, watch The Little Mermaid, and pretend it was Summer.
(Insert God's laughter here)
Because during our day in the Tropics, it started to snow outside. Then the snow started to stick. So my lovin' momma called us downstairs to look at it, and then laughed when she saw our attire.
Here comes the moment of insanity.
I'm not sure who's bright idea this was, but one of us decided it would be great to run down to the bottom of the yard through the snow. Barefoot. In our bathing suits.
Just what were we thinking, you may ask? I honestly have no clue. But it was probably Lexi's idea.
So we made a tradition of it. As soon as we got a good inch of snow on the ground for the first time each year, we would run the full acre length of the yard barefoot in our bikinis. And this year was no different. Okay, well this year was a little different, because we were in mixed company so we had on a little extra clothing.
The thing that you should take away from the previous sentence is not that we were clothed, but that we are now infecting other people with our craziness, and lack of self preservation. Peer Pressure!
In the words of Dylan, (the guy who forgot his beenie) "We're doing what?!?! This is a Terrible tradition!" and one that we will continue for many years to come :)
Pictures to come soon!!
Happy Holidays!!
Lacy Brianne
Monday, December 17, 2012
Dear God, Please Test My Patience
One of the things that church ladies will jokingly tell you is to "be careful what you pray for, because you just might get it." This is often times followed by the statement "don't pray for patience. God won't give it to you, He'll teach it to you." Let me just begin by saying that these ladies are very smart, and I probably should have listened.
A few months ago, I decided to ask God for the gift of patience. I thought I knew what I was getting myself into, because I had heard the warnings, and had prepared myself for the fact that this may not be easy. However, I felt that I needed it, in order to be more fulfilled with life, I needed to be a more patient person.
I took some time to think about what had tried my patience in the past, and came to the conclusion that this test would probably be centered around people. I am a big people person, but they are also my biggest crazy factor sometimes. So I assumed, I'd be working with the types that had at times in the past made me cranky or uncomfortable.
Small Children. Nursing Homes. Assisted Living. I can do this, no big deal.
And then comes the part where God looks at your plans... and He laughs. Out loud; at just how silly you are.
You see, He knew that although these people had a tendency to try my patience, I had a heart for them. I loved them, and loved spending time with and caring for them. I loved nurturing them, and He knew that because of that, I could conquer my paticence issues in those areas all on my own. Instead of making me though, He simply opened my eyes to just how much I care for them, and in that sense, gave me ALL the patience I could ever ask for.
The area that He saw needed some work was that of my relationships with the male species. Go figure that one.
And so my patience test came in the form of a super talented, God loving, immensely attractive, beyond frustrating, extravagantly confusing man. You know who you are.
...and while I am confused about the presence or absence of a spark, the long talks when the rest of the world sleeps, and then weeks of not speaking, I am thankful that I can see God working in my life, and in his as well; using us to mend each other, in ways we may not even understand.
So, my word of advice to you today is to listen to the church ladies. They know exactly what they are talking about.
Love always,
Lacy Brianne
A few months ago, I decided to ask God for the gift of patience. I thought I knew what I was getting myself into, because I had heard the warnings, and had prepared myself for the fact that this may not be easy. However, I felt that I needed it, in order to be more fulfilled with life, I needed to be a more patient person.
I took some time to think about what had tried my patience in the past, and came to the conclusion that this test would probably be centered around people. I am a big people person, but they are also my biggest crazy factor sometimes. So I assumed, I'd be working with the types that had at times in the past made me cranky or uncomfortable.
Small Children. Nursing Homes. Assisted Living. I can do this, no big deal.
And then comes the part where God looks at your plans... and He laughs. Out loud; at just how silly you are.
You see, He knew that although these people had a tendency to try my patience, I had a heart for them. I loved them, and loved spending time with and caring for them. I loved nurturing them, and He knew that because of that, I could conquer my paticence issues in those areas all on my own. Instead of making me though, He simply opened my eyes to just how much I care for them, and in that sense, gave me ALL the patience I could ever ask for.
The area that He saw needed some work was that of my relationships with the male species. Go figure that one.
And so my patience test came in the form of a super talented, God loving, immensely attractive, beyond frustrating, extravagantly confusing man. You know who you are.
...and while I am confused about the presence or absence of a spark, the long talks when the rest of the world sleeps, and then weeks of not speaking, I am thankful that I can see God working in my life, and in his as well; using us to mend each other, in ways we may not even understand.
So, my word of advice to you today is to listen to the church ladies. They know exactly what they are talking about.
Love always,
Lacy Brianne
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
The Parade of the Ex's
So it's finals week, and like a good amount of my college age friends out there, instead of studying all that I possibly can, Facebook started calling my name. For what reason? I have no idea.
Here is the thing about my Facebook though...it is diverse every time I get on it. I have over 775 friends on there, yet I can tell you where and how I met each and every one of them. I guess that comes with being what is known as a connector (more to come on that at a later date).
But anyway, I rarely delete people, and my page acts in such a way that every time I pull it up, my news feed is full of different people, in no certain order.
Well tonight, it is all full of ex-boyfriends, or just guys that I dated in the past.
That in itself does not bother me, because I am actually not on bad terms with all but a couple of them.
But as I kept scrolling through my feed looking for someone I hadn't been romantically involved with in the past, I began to wonder what it was that had been so attractive about them to me. What was it about them that made me make a bad decision or mistrust their character.
I began to realize that while they all had something that I liked or was attracted to, none of them were right for me. They all had something about them that was a "deal breaker," something that made us unfit to be together.
While I regret some of those past experiences, I can't lie and say that there weren't moments that I enjoyed. and each one of those guys taught me something different about myself, and about the kind of man I would want my husband to be.
So thank you, dumb boys, for allowing me to know what to aviod, and for unintentionally teaching me how to be more discerning. Thanks for showing me that I should never settle.
Love and Luck on Finals,
Lacy Brianne
Here is the thing about my Facebook though...it is diverse every time I get on it. I have over 775 friends on there, yet I can tell you where and how I met each and every one of them. I guess that comes with being what is known as a connector (more to come on that at a later date).
But anyway, I rarely delete people, and my page acts in such a way that every time I pull it up, my news feed is full of different people, in no certain order.
Well tonight, it is all full of ex-boyfriends, or just guys that I dated in the past.
That in itself does not bother me, because I am actually not on bad terms with all but a couple of them.
But as I kept scrolling through my feed looking for someone I hadn't been romantically involved with in the past, I began to wonder what it was that had been so attractive about them to me. What was it about them that made me make a bad decision or mistrust their character.
I began to realize that while they all had something that I liked or was attracted to, none of them were right for me. They all had something about them that was a "deal breaker," something that made us unfit to be together.
While I regret some of those past experiences, I can't lie and say that there weren't moments that I enjoyed. and each one of those guys taught me something different about myself, and about the kind of man I would want my husband to be.
So thank you, dumb boys, for allowing me to know what to aviod, and for unintentionally teaching me how to be more discerning. Thanks for showing me that I should never settle.
Love and Luck on Finals,
Lacy Brianne
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