Some of my sweet friends are being molded and refined into beings that reflect God right now. Some trials harsher than others. One in particular is glowing God's presence in such a dark moment. Today I literally looked at her and saw the treasures she is collecting in Heaven. She might disagree, but God's glory was absolutely on her. Her words she spoke were so fragrant with faith, truth, and pain that it circled her giving a supernatural... She might not FEEL connected with God right now...but what I'm learning is that faith is believing what you know about God and saying it and believing its truth even though emotionally you are not on the same level. Its hoping (knowing eventually it will happen), hoping that the rest of you will catch up with the truth you're speaking. Her 'trial' is not wasted because He has already been glorified through her situation by her actions. She protected that life from being lived in vain because, I believe, her faith must be pleasing to God, even if she does not realize it.

random thoughts part 1

I recently have found myself daydreaming about life in the New Jerusalem. It's not because I'm tired or displeased with life right now; its more because everyday that I learn more about our fantastic Elohim (Creator, Mighty, Strong, 3 or more), El Elyon (God Most High-the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe), El Shaddai (the All-Sufficient One), Adonai (Lord and Master), Jehovah-jireh (The Lord will provide), Jehovah rapha (The Lord who heals), Jehoval Shaloam (The Lord is peace) the more I can't wait to be dwelling in His presence in the same form of being as He. BTW, did you know all those names I listed are names that God gave himself and revealed throughout the Old Testament, mostly in Genesis? I think that's pretty amazing. Each time our Bible says: LORD (in caps) or Lord GOD it is a reference to one of these names or other names that I didn't list which each has a specific meaning indicating an emphasis on one of his flawless character traits. I think its sad that English can't translate these words well, because how much are we missing out on knowing about him? Psalm 20:7 says Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God. Psalm 9:10 says And those who know your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD have not forsaken those who seek you. I plan on doing a study on all the names God gave himself because this is wildly fascinating to me right now. And I feel somewhat cheated that I didn't know any of this until now. I mean God is my BFF and I don't even know what he calls himself?! Anyway, back to the New Jerusalem thought I was having... I bring this up because I find myself constantly being zealous about spiritual things and then the very next moment, before I know it, falling flat on my face sinning. UGH! It drives me insane! I can't wait to be in a place that knows no sin! Also, to continually experience God's glory. You know how some times when you're praying fervently and then the next moment you're thinking about dinner... how awesome will it be to not have that whatever (can't think of the word I want to use) in our nature?! I LOVE that there will be no temple in the city because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple (reference to Rev 21:22) and that "The city does not need the sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" (Rev 21:23)!! To look outside and know that the source in which you are able to see if GOD HIMSELF is freakin' awesome!!

Anyway, this lady (named Angela) said that (I can't remember specifically how she worded it) she is going to be tripping, falling flat all the way to Heaven! But she doesn't care because she'll finally have made it! I love that! I am so there. That'll be me too, walking threw the doors before his throne tripping over nothing and stumbling over my own feet! :) Thank You God that you still want to take my ashes and give me a beautiful crown! (Read Isaiah 61) and THANK YOU GOD for the truth in Romans! Romans 8:1-2 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

ahh, I have so many random thoughts I want to share but don't have time to figure out how to make them work together, so part 2 will come soon.

Here are some more names of God:
Jehovah Tsidkenu, the Lord our Righteousness
Jehovah Shammah, the Lord is There
Jehovah-Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts
Jehovah-Mekoddishkem, the Lord sanctifies you

Much Love!