How A Friendship Can Change Your Life Forever

Here's a question for you: do you believe friendships can change your life? Let me give you my answer to that. Yes, I believe friendships can change your life. I believe great things can happen in a friendship. I have living proof of a friendship that has definitely changed my life in quite a dramatic way. The friendship I have with Travis has been quite an adventure for me. It's unlike any other friendship I've had with anyone else. It all started when I first met him. We both attended Liberty University the same year: fall of 2004. We had the same GNED class, but we didn't really know each other then. My second semester after my year-long break we were in University Chorale and got to know each other a bit more. We had lunch together here and there. I suppose it was a casual friendship/acquaintence at the time. When my third semester came along, that was when things really changed. This time, he and I found out that I was part of his sisterdorm. Isn't that something?! Also, we were both in Worship 101 class and TRBC choir. His Celebration Choir joined in with TRBC where we did the Living Christmas Tree performance. At that time, Travis and I would drive together to dinner and rehearsals as well as performance nights. During that time, we grew so close to each other. That was when we became very close friends...so close, it's crazy! I don't think I've been that close to anyone outside my family as I am close to him. He tells me I grew on him. (laughs) I couldn't argue with that. Ever since I left Liberty, I've missed him a lot. I didn't even get to hug him before I left. :( That will change though. I'm making plans to go down to Lynchburg for a few days to get some of my clothes and other things from my friend Salvador's house. Travis and I plan to spend a little time together while I'm down there. :) I can't wait for that to happen. We'll wait and see how this turns out. I have no doubt it'll turn out well. I tell you, I didn't know what was going to happen when I met Travis. If God meant to surprise me, boy did He ever! There's so much Travis does for me; he lifts me up when I'm down, he encourages me so much, he makes me laugh (especially at myself sometimes, lol), and he sticks with me through my hard times. I don't think I could ask God for a better friend. Well, of course there's Jesus. He's there for me all the time. :) Well, that's my description of a friendship that has changed my life.

To Travis: Well, you wanted to know how our friendship has been something for me. I was telling you I'd save it for our next conversation, but evidently, I wrote an entire blog about it. lol I have no doubt this will answer any questions you might've had for me. You truly are amazing, my dear friend. I'm so glad God has brought you into my life. I can't wait to see what happens next on this road of life I travel. Who would've thought? Did you see this coming? Because I sure didn't. You told me you wouldn't change a thing concerning our friendship. Believe me, I wouldn't either. Be blessed and I hope you're feeling better today. I'm still praying for you.:)

Dear Lord, thank you so much for everything. You are such an awesome God. Thank you for giving me talent that I can use to glorify you. Thank you for putting me on this earth to give encouragement to others when they need it. I can only do so much. You are the Great Encourager. Thank you for the great friendship I share with Travis. Keep on blessing him, Lord. Give him strength to do what he needs to do. I thank you for your heavenly angels surrounding him and protecting him wherever he goes. Bless his family, Lord Jesus. Keep them safe and secure. I thank you also for the church building they've moved into last December. I pray for great things to happen in that church. Thank you, Lord. Thank you for blessing me as you have this past Sunday. I pray for so much to happen in this church that has designated me to play keyboard for them. May you work through me as I play. May your presence just fall on me and flow out through me. Thank you so much for everything! You truly are my Inspiration. I love you so much, Jesus. In your Mighty Name I pray, amen. (3:22 pm)

Missing So Much....But There's A Light at the End of My Tunnel

Today was a good day so far but now, I'm in kind of a sad mood. I miss Liberty University so much. I miss my friends, my college life, food at the rot (yeah, even that), Campus Church on Wednesdays, Convocation three days a week,... Oh, I miss it all! There is also someone at LU I miss very much. I'll give you one guess... (waiting).... all right, I'll tell you. It's my dearest friend Travis. I miss our singing at David's Place on different nights during the week, our fun times hanging out at the clubhouse, discussions about all sorts of things at lunch or dinner at the rot.... yeah, that's what I miss most. I have been singing my worship song "We Live To Praise Your Name" pretty much every day when I walk to work. Every time I sing that song, I hear Travis singing it with me. (sniffs) Gosh! This is the most depressing blog I've ever written! Oh well, I'm just expressing myself. It's just one of those days where I know where I am and I'm wishing I was somewhere else... specifically Liberty U. I'm playing the "Revelation Song" at the moment and the memories just keep on going in my mind. (sighs) I guess I'm just being me... sort of. I have to keep reminding myself that God has me here at home for a reason. I just hope and pray that all will go well here and I get things accomplished. To my friend Travis: I'm always thinking about you and keeping you in my prayers. Remember that. I thank my Heavenly Father for sending you my way. You've stuck with me through my trying times up until the time I had to leave LU. Thank you so much! (Big hug)

Dear Lord, thank you so much for being such a wonderful God. I praise you and I lift up your holy name. May I never forget why I've been put on this earth you created. Thank you also for giving me a chance to get started in making something of myself. I know now why you had me choose Worship and Music Ministry as my major. I love you so much and I praise your name forevermore. In Jesus' Mighty Name I pray, amen. (3:10 pm)

Here's Another Poem

I just thought I'd put up this poem today. One time I did a dance to the song "Reach Out to Me" by Michael W. Smith off of his "This Is Your Time" project. It's all about a person going through struggles in life. I love the combination of praise dancing and poetry. It seems to all blend together wonderfully. Read and be blessed!

Dear Lord, I've wandered away from you

I tried to find my own way

but it seemed when I tried to head down that road

trouble followed every day

I've wandered away from the truth

I couldn't find peace in my life

I tried to fight battles on my own

and fell way deep into strife

I'm asking you now, please help me out

reach your loving arms to me

I've been blinded by my carelessness

open my eyes so I can see

The battle is much tougher than before

Dear God, help me win this fight

so that I'll be forever safe in your arms

and standing under your heavenly light

Written by Tiffany J. Washington - inspired by God!

(1:45 pm)

How Could I Be So Blind?

I have come to a realization today. I was in the kitchen washing the dishes and listening to music on my cd player. A little later I decided to switch cds and I listened to a song I sang with Thomas Road choir called "Cry Holy." I was singing along with it like I usually do since I knew the song so well. Suddenly, I decided to stop singing and start listening. As I listened, I closed my eyes and thought deep thoughts about what the words meant. It became so real to me, I almost cried. One line I especially meditate on goes like this: "When I'm on my face in my darkest night, I cry for a way to Your shining light. And Father, Your grace is greater than sin. Your mercy rains down and heals me again." It also made me think of what it really means to "fall on my knees and cry holy." I literally repented to God for forgetting that. In my time of singing with different choirs, I've gotten to know and love many songs that I have done with them. One thing though; I memorized all the music but how much did I take in the message of the songs themselves? One example: "We are not ashamed. No, we are not ashamed of the Gospel. The truth we will proclaim." What does that mean? It's telling people in the world that we are not ashamed to spread God's Word!! Another example: "Lord, You're holy. Lord, You're holy and we lift You up and magnify Your Name.... Wonderful! Glorious! Holy and Righteous! Victorious! Conquerer! Triuphant and Mighty! Healer, Deliverer, Shield and Defense! Strong Tower and my Best Friend! Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Soon Coming King! Alpha, Omega, Lord of Everything! Holy, holy, holy is Your Name!" What does that mean? It shows how grateful we are to Him and praising Him for all the things He is!!! I hope and pray that I won't forget this. Next time I sing a song in a choir (and I'm sure I will before long), I am going to think on what the song stands for and not just memorize the music.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You so much for having me come to this realization. I know I was going to write a blog about the great weekend I had in NC, but this has thought has taken over. May I never forget how Wonderful You are, how Glorious You are, how Loving You are. I love You so much, my True and Beautiful Inspiration. You never cease to amaze me in my everyday life. In Jesus' Mighty and Matchless Name I pray, amen!(6:58 pm)

A Time To Be Together.... A Time To Part

This past weekend was the most special of all. I spent the weekend at Roanoke Rapids, NC with my dear friends Travis and Jessica along with their parents. It was the best weekend ever but it had to come to an end when Travis drove me back to Lynchburg today. I will write about the weekend in full when I put up my next blog because this night is turning out to be a hard night. It will be my last night here in beautiful Virginia because I am leaving for Philadelphia in the morning. I leave 6:40 am. Yes, it is early but it was the only bus I could get. I wasn't able to get one later. I pretty much spent the whole day with Travis looking around for something he could get for Jessica as a birthday present. It was fun trying to see what we could get her. I bought a card that I thought she would like. It's pretty and the message is so sweet. It sounded like something I would say to her. (smiles) Anyway, after Travis' 7:00 class got out, he drove me back to my friend's house where we hung out for an hour or so talking to Jessica and looking around on the computer. That was really fun. Yes, tonight is hard but I think tomorrow morning is going to be even harder. Travis is taking me to the bus station so we'll be saying our good-byes to each other. I feel like I'm welling up already. I was hoping I wouldn't cry for real after that dream I had, but this coming up is definitely an emotional moment for me. I'm not sure how I'll contain it all. I'll just be praying that I'll survive the little trip down to the station! (sighs) I have to keep reminding myself "God knows what He's doing. He has it all under control." Hopefully I'll be reminding myself that constantly when I leave.

Dear Lord, thank you so much for everything. Thank you for bringing me to Liberty where I got to know some very dear people that I now hold close to my heart. Watch over everyone I know and their families. Cover them with your love and grace, Father. May your light shine within each one of them so bright that others can't deny that you are the True and Living God. I love you so much, Jesus. Keep reminding me that you have a purpose for me whether it be at home, in Lynchburg or maybe even in Roanoke Rapids. I don't know what you have set up for me, but I know it will be your plan to prosper me and not to harm me. Your plan will give me a future and a hope. May I never forget that. Thank you Father God, my One True Inspiration. I am so in love with you. In Jesus' Mighty Name I pray, amen. (1:20 am)

A Moment

When I wake up in the morning, I'm usually uplifted and ready to start my day, but this morning was a rough one for me. I woke up crying to a dream I had last night. This dream was set pretty much to this present time when I'm about to leave Liberty University. In this dream I was with my friend Travis and we were hanging out and having fun like we always do when suddenly I start crying right in front of him! I just sat down and started crying. When he saw me crying, he sat down next to me and held me close telling me it was going to be ok. We sat there for about 30 minutes! When I woke up, I cried and I felt like I couldn't stop. Is this dream showing me how much I'm going to miss him?? Yes, I like him. There I said it, but I like his girlfriend too. Jessica and I are such good friends and the last thing I want to do is get in the way of the beautiful relationship she has with him. I never thought I'd face this kind of problem in my life. It's quite rough. I've been quite reluctant to put this up because I don't know what Travis would think if he read this. I know one thing though; I don't want to start crying in front of him for real. I don't know what he would think or do. It makes me nervous to think about that. I just hope that if he eventually reads this blog, it won't change things between us. He's one of the dearest friends I have in the world and a real blessing in my life. To be honest, my life changed dramatically when he stepped into my life. It's as if God has blessed me with a guardian angel.

Dear Lord, please help me to keep myself under control. You know all about me and you know my needs better than anyone else. Help me to keep focused on you at all times. I love you so much, Jesus. You're the true reason I live. You are my One and only Inspiration! I pray this in Jesus' Name, amen. (5:01 pm)

A Time of Lessons Learned

Well, so much has happened over the past couple of weeks. All this time I thought I was standing on my faith when I came back to school, but as it turns out, it was all about my will, what I wanted to do. I wasn't focusing on what God was trying to tell me and the results of that put quite a damper on things. Ever since I got back to Liberty, I was trying to find someone to co-sign for my loan so I could complete financial check-in for this semester but to no avail. This upcoming Monday, my classes will be dropped and I will have to go back home to Philadelphia. My mom called me this morning and told me that I should just come on home. At first I didn't want to believe her, but I knew in my heart that she was right. (Updating today) Despite all that is happening, I believe God has given me peace about this whole situation. I've had one of the best weekends ever. This past weekend was College For a Weekend and I had two weekenders in my room. It was really cool. The first one was Nadya from Ashville, North Carolina and the other was Karen from Pennsylvania. I forgot exactly what part. I didn't get to exchange contact info with Karen unfortunately, but I did get to do that with Nadya. I can't wait to keep in contact with her when I'm at home.:o) This weekend is also going to be very special because my dear friend Travis is taking me down to Roanoke Rapids, NC so I can minister with the song I wrote over break at his church. That is going to be the best weekend ever! I'm so excited!! See how I am here? No matter what is happening around me, I have learned to "count it all joy." (James 1:2) I truly thank God for all that has happened whether positive or negative. It has taught me to be happy no matter how dire the circumstances are.

Dear Jesus, I thank you so much for everything. I thank you for your faithfulness and your mercy. You died on the cross and shed your precious blood so that I could live. I truly don't deserve that. I am so unworthy of your grace and yet, you love me so much. Thank you also for teaching me what it really means to "count it all joy." May I keep on seeking after you daily. May I never stray away from your loving arms. I want to be in them forevermore. I love you so much, Jesus. You are the One I can count on during the hard times and happy times. In Your Mighty and Matchless Name I pray, amen. (2/16/07 - 2/19/07, 12:25 pm)

God on the Throne - Picture of Holiness

Tonight's service for Spiritual Emphasis Week was amazing!! It all started with a few worship songs and you could just feel God move. It was so evident! I felt led to fall on my knees Meredith Andrews sang the Revelation Song. It moved me to tears. Not too long after that, Dr. James McDonald started speaking. His message was entitled "God on the Throne - Picture of Holiness" and he brought up some main points that really hit home for me. Point #1; Holiness describes Separation. We need to have a fresh, heartfelt sense of God's holiness. His Glory is so indescribable that no word in the English language can explain it fully. Ezekiel had a heck of a time doing it in chapter 1. The view of God containing His holiness is lost in our churches today. We need to realize that God is holy and we are not. Point #2: Holiness Demands Caution. Isaiah 6:2-3 reads "Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3: And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory." Dr. MacDonald also stated that holiness gives us a deep sense of our unworthyness. The expanse of God's holiness is so big, we cannot comprehend its true nature. We are unworthy and yet, God loves us so much. He wants to show us His glory.

Point #3: Holiness Declares Glory. Revelation 4:1-11 displays how the angels and heavenly hosts declared God's Glory. We need to declare God's Glory in our everyday life. As the angels cried out holy, holy, holy, the repetition of saying holy clearly shows force and drives the point across. The Glory of God is what emminates from His presence as heat is to water.

Finally, Point #4: Holiness Determines Mystery. The Lord God is a mysterious being. There is always a certain amount of mystery with Him. What we have to do is trust the mystery and keep on believing in Him. There may be something He doesn't tell us right away and we don't know what to expect, but we trust Him because He is God. After this enlightening message, Dr. MacDonald called everyone to pray and about 8 or 9 people got saved! It was so amazing! God is amazing. That's the main thing I realized that night. I'll never forget this experience I've had. It taught me this: God is Holy, full of Glory and no one can top Him! There is none like the Lord!!!

Dear Jesus, thank you so much for this time spent with you. May I never forget your holiness and your mercy. Thank you Lord for the fact that I'm here at Liberty doing what you commanded me to do. You have made me an encourager, a giver, a lover of others and, most importantly, a worshipper. May I continue to worship your holy Name in spirit and in truth like you have shown me last semester. I love you so much, my Heavenly Father. Let my heart sing your praise always and forevermore. In Jesus Mighty Name I pray, amen. (12:12 pm)

Becoming Christians Again

Convocation last Friday was good as well as quite fascinating. I listened to a guy named Dr. John Avant and he talked about Christians and what they stand for. He entitled his message "Becoming Christians Again." At first I was a little puzzled about the title because I thought "Why did he call it Becoming Christians Again? What does he mean by that?" He started out with the fact that we have been given the Great Commission. We have been called by God to bring the Gospel of Christ to the unsaved, to light the world with God's glory. Dr. Avant gave a definition for the word Christian. It was defined by A. W. Tozer as "a holy rebel let loose in the world with access to the throne of God so that Satan never knows from which direction the danger will come." He also brought this quote about prayer from Billy Graham: "The most eloquent prayer is prayer through the hands that heal and bless." I started wondering; "How is my prayer life? How is my walk with God? Am I truly following the Christian standard?"

At the end of the message, he gave us three questions that we can ask ourselves to evaluate a dangerous Christ-following life: 1. Is it dangerous to Satan? In other words, is my Christ life so evident that Satan can't touch me? 2. Is it for others - not just me? Am I living life just for myself or am I living so other people can be blessed? 3. Is it risky to cost me everything but the risk? Am I willing to give it all up for God or am I holding something back? These questions I ask myself as I write this blog. I hope and pray that whoever is reading this is doing the same thing. We, as Christians, need to take a stand for what we believe in. Too many of us hide behind closed doors and let the world discourage us. I pray that as God keeps on inspiring me in my every day life, I'll do what I can to help out others and bring God all the glory.

Dear Lord, thank you so much for giving me a heart to worship and adore you. If I haven't been carrying out what you commanded me to do, please forgive me. I strive to live every day for you and do your will. I love you so much, Lord Jesus. May I never stray away from what you have to tell me. I pray this in Jesus' Name, amen. (3:17 pm)

Sing Unto the Lord a New Song Part 2

Remember I wrote about the song that God gave me to write Christmas Day? Here's a new scoop on it. My dear friend Travis is not only helping me make it better, but he is also going to have the two of us sing it at his church one of these Sundays!! I'm so excited I could just burst! I can't wait to see what God is going to do with this. It could be the start of something really big. Something that could change my life. All I can do is wait upon the Lord and pray. I thank God for this semester. Some good things have been taking place. My classes are great, my professors are fantastic and more importantly, God is so good!! I don't know what God has planned for me this semester but I'm sure He will let me know in due time. I'll keep everyone posted. That's a promise.

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you so much for all that's happened in the past couple of weeks. Thank you for giving me a song to sing to you, a place to live and grow and a heart for giving to others. I strive to give you my best of everything. I love you so much. I truly adore you and I hope to please you in everything I do. I pray this in Jesus Mighty Name, amen. (3:30 pm)

God is so FAITHFUL!!!

I can't get over how faithful God is! The last week of break and what has happened in the beginning of this week cannot be described in English words! However, I will try my best. My last week of Christmas break, it looked like I wasn't going to be able to come back to Liberty. Was I going to let that get me discouraged? Heck no! I kept on believing and kept on reminding God about what He told me. He told me Himself to get my education and He led me to Liberty. He wouldn't let me come this far to leave me now. He's not like that. I was praying for a ride back to LU, when lo and behold, my friend Richie sent me a message that was an answer to my prayers. He told me he was able to drive me back and my heart just jumped! Even though it looked like I was going back, I wasn't financially checked in yet. I went to Campus Church that following Sunday when I got back and ended up staying on campus with my RA's. That was pretty cool. When I was there at the dorm with them, I was asking them about what I should do with my stuff since it was still in the room. They got in contact with the RD and I was told that I could stay at the dorm because I was on the roster! Not only that, I was able to go to classes today! I'm still not checked in yet, but I have so much hope for what's to happen next. God is so GOOD!!! He made a way for me when it seemed there was no way. He led me down a path that was full of promise. He gave me hope for the future and granted me mercy. I'm so thankful!!! Praise the LORD!!!!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for making a way for me to come back to LU. I knew that if I kept on believing, something wonderful would happen. I will continue to keep on believing as I search for someone who could co-sign for my loan so I can check in for this semester. I know you'll send me the right person. Thank you for so much. I love you so much and I strive to live everyday for your glory. In Jesus' Mighty Name I pray, amen!!! (10:45 pm)

God Is Teaching Me.....

Well, I have to say it's been a good break. Now it is coming to a close and I'll be going back to LU soon. For now, it looks like I'm not going back but I'm not going to let that discourage me. I've come to far to get to this point and I'm not about to let my guard down for anything! God told me I'm going back to school and I believe Him. I'm taking Him at His word! A good thing happened to me yesterday. I was out and about running errands and I saw this poor guy laying down on someone's home steps. This was happening as I was waiting for my bus to come. I had ordered a little something from Checker's a little while ago and they had me waiting for a long time to pick it up. When they gave me my order, they gave me an extra burger for free. I thought, "Wow! That's a blessing!" I moseyed along to my stop shortly after that. I saw that guy just laying there and I received a little tug in my spirit. God wanted me to give him the extra burger I had. I obeyed God and gave it to the man. As he was eating the burger, he just looked at me. I smiled at him. He had this sense of calm on his face. It wasn't quite a "thank you" look but you could tell that he really appreciated it. When my bus came shortly after that, I just sat there, feeling so good that I did something for someone who was less fortunate that I was. It also made me realize this: I'm blessed beyond description! I thank God for teaching me patience, love, caring for others and the sense that I am blessed and I always will be. Why? Because I have Jesus living in me! You can't get any better than that!!

Dear Lord God, I thank you so much for all you've taught me over this blessed Christmas break. I thank you for teaching me patience, love, caring for others, the fact that I am blessed and for giving me a new song to sing. You buried the words deep within my heart and that's where they will always stay no matter what happens in this glorious adventure you've given me. Life is indeed a great adventure but nothing comes closer than living life with You, my Heavenly Father. Thank You for loving me despite how much I didn't deserve it. You sent Your precious Son Jesus to die for me so I could live a life You could be proud of. A life full of abundance, service and true worship to You. I love You, Lord. Thank You for everything! In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen. (11:15 am)

Sing Unto The Lord A New Song

Well, I have to say my Christmas break has been going quite well so far. I have a job at Dunkin' Donuts, I'm enjoying being home with my family and the most amazing thing happened to me. I wrote a new praise and worship song!! I was in the bathroom at my house flipping through radio stations. I stumbled across Q-102 which was a rap station in our area. I was going to turn it off when I suddenly heard this song that used really pretty chord progressions. It was near the end of the song but I just stayed there and hummed along with it. I thought that was one of the prettiest sounds I've ever heard! All of the sudden, my mind reeled, my thoughts took flight and I ran down the stairs to get my brother David's keyboard. After a few minutes of muddling through, I found the chords. I started writing words to go with what I played. It all seemed to fit so perfectly together! I wrote this song on Christmas Day and finished writing it the day after. Is that God or what?! After writing it, I entitled the song "We Live To Praise Your Name." I thank God so much for giving me the inspiration once again to write something that gives glory to His Mighty and Matchless Name. Who knows? This could be the start of something big, something wonderful, something I never thought could or would happen! I'm really excited about this. I feel like God has lifted me and I'm now soaring into the heavenlies! I can't wait to share this song with my friends when I get back to school.

Dear Lord, thank you so much for blessing me with a heart of worship. I've been created to worship and adore you. I thank you for calling me into the field of worship. There's so much that can happen as I keep on learning about the aspects of music and what it really means to worship you in spirit and in truth. May this song that I wrote bless others as much as it has blessed me when I wrote it and practiced it. I love you so much, my Heavenly Father. Please keep the inspiration coming. Don't let it stop for one minute. In Jesus' Mighty Name I pray, amen. (1:20 pm)

The End of Another Semester

Well, the semester is ending and everyone is headed for home. I await my Biology 101 exam at 2:00. Am I prepared? Somewhat, I suppose. I know God will see me through no matter what. I said goodbye to my dear friend Travis today. He's gone home to Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. I know he's excited. (laughs) These last couple of weeks I've spent with him have been so much fun. Who would've thought we be such close friends? Our first meeting was in GNED 101 class fall of 2004 and we didn't know what was ahead of us then. We pretty much grew on each other during this semester. I've definitely gained a friend for life... actually two! Travis and his girlfriend Jessica! I love Jessica. We became friends right away when I came to NC with Travis that Sunday morning. I can't wait to see her again if I get to come down there at some point. I'm praying for both Travis and Jessica and I'm hoping that all will be well concerning their relationship together. Who knows? Maybe Travis and I will be inviting each other to our wedding days. (I know Travis, it's too early for that. lol But it's a possibility, right?) Anyway, I should go back to studying for this final. I hope and pray I do well on it.

Dear Lord, I pray for this test I'm going to take it about an hour. May I know what to put down as the answer to the question. May my mind be strengthened. Thank you Lord for your mercy and grace. I'll treasure it forever. Thank you Lord so much for Travis and Jessica. Bless them and keep them safe wherever they go. I love you, my Heavenly Father. I don't know what I'd do without you. In Jesus' Name I pray, amen. (1:06 pm)

Another Poem for the Day

"The One"

You are gracious, Lord
You are holy and divine
You're always in my heart
You will forever be mine

You go before me
through every twist and every turn
You give me so much comfort
when the walls of my soul churn

My Lord, my God and Master
I know You will always be true
You've given me assurance and
told me to always follow You

"I'll never leave you, nor forsake you"
You have told me in Your Book
You told me You're the Way
and I mustn't, in any other direction, look

You're the Lord of my life
my One and Only Love
when I give my tithes and offerings
You send blessings from above

You told me that I will be blessed
wherever I go
whatever I needed,
before I asked, You said "I know"

You didn't say the road wouldn't be hard
You just said that I wouldn't go alone
You said "come along with me"
through the times I cried and moaned

You kept telling me to come
You gave me courage and strength
through every height, every depth
every width and every length

Every step of the way
You managed to pull me through
the road was rough, but
it didn't matter because I was with You

But there were times when I didn't listen
to Your calls of love and life
times when I disobeyed You
and I fell deep into strife

At the time I noticed
something was absolutely wrong
I asked for Your forgiveness and repented
where I was weak, You were strong

You forgave me right away
and tossed my sins right out
into the sea of forgetfulness
where there is no more grief or doubt

I thank You so much, Lord
for being faithful, righteous and just
You are gracious and loving
You are the One that I can trust! (3:11 pm)

What An Amazing Day!!

Today was a great day for me. Earlier in the week, I asked my friend Travis if I could come with him to his church in North Carolina. After a while, he told me that I could... just have to get up early and be ready to go by 7:00. lol So, when I got up this morning, it was 6:15. I was surprised at myself because I didn't set my alarm! I suppose it was just the excitement I must've had. We drove all the way... 2 1/2 hours. I'm glad I'm such a patient person. I got to meet his girlfriend Jessica while we were there. She's so sweet!! The two of us hit it off pretty well, I'd say. I also got to meet his parents and his brother. I can tell where Travis gets his sweetness from... as well as his sillyness. (laughs) No offense, my friend. Anyway, when we all got to the church (wow! the smallest church I've ever seen!) we started having bible study together first. We talked about when man first sinned. After that, the welcome of new people (pretty much me) and praise songs started. Travis played his own version of "O, Holy Night" for special music today. That was the most remarkable version I've ever heard in my life!! After that, we had some real worship time. It just got to the point where I fell on my knees. I could feel God's presence so strong when we were singing!! I have to say, I love small churches now. There isn't a really big bunch of people to keep up with and worship is so much more intimate. There was a lady who taught today's sermon today. (Travis, you have to tell me her name again. lol) It was about choosing the High Life (God's way) or the Low Life (the World's way). It was really good. After that, we got ready to go to a parade they had there. It was so much fun to watch all the floats and bands go by. It was time for us to go after about an hour and a half. Travis and Jessica didn't want to part, but sadly they had to. I really felt for them then.

After we said our goodbye's, Travis and I got into the car so we could go back to Liberty. We talked and listened to music on the way. About an hour away I was feeling sleepy, so I shut my eyes for a little bit. Travis started singing praise songs and I decided to join in. It woke me right up! I like the harmony we have together. I can't wait until we start collaborating one of these days. That's going to be such fun. When we got back, it was choir call time: last night of the Living Christmas Tree performance. It turned out real well and we were all glad it was over. lol When we were finished and waiting to get out of the tree, my thought was "when I see Travis, I'm going to run up to him and hug him." Of course, that's exactly what I did.(chuckles) Travis and I were so ready to eat because we hardly ate a thing all day long. We went to the rot, met up with a couple of my friends after a while and ate together. That was a lot of fun.

I thank God for such a wonderful day today. I also thank God that I have Travis for a really good friend... one of the best friends I've ever had in my life. I also thank God for Jessica. I love how we got attached to each other so quickly! lol I can't wait to get to know her even more as time goes on.

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you so much for everything that has happened today. Thanks so much for sending Travis into my life. He's such a blessing to me and it touches my heart that I have him for a friend. Thank you so much! Thank you also for Jessica. I love her like she was my own sister. Of course, she is my sister in Christ. I suppose that's close enough. (laughs) Bless her immensly, Father. Keep her safe wherever she goes. May all these special memories be close to my heart always. You did it all Lord God. You showed me through dear friends that there is a true heart of worship no matter where you go, no matter how big the church is, or how much time is spent praising you. I live to praise You, my Lord and Savior. May I never stray away from that. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' Name I pray, amen. (12:35 am)

Divine Intervention Looks Coincidence in the Eye: Part 2

Well, I have to say, tonight's been quite a night for me. I got to meet Brad and we have become really good friends. I can't wait to see what happens next during this friendship that has established. I discovered that he's one year younger than me, he likes a lot of the same music I like, and we pray for each other a lot over the phone! It's so amazing!! I'm excited about this but also kind of in question about it all. I mean, why did it happen? What's supposed to happen next? Where do I go from here? These questions I ask. I'm supposed to be focused and totally dependent on God for everything I need. I have to say though, Brad helps me keep going in the right direction. He prays for me, encourages me and helps me in so many ways. It's like I have a guardian angel in the flesh! lol I never thought that one chance call or conversation on the phone could change your life like this. That has certainly happened to me last night. I don't know what will become of all this, but I do hope that whatever it may be, it'll benefit me spiritually. That's my main focus right now.

Dear Lord, thank you so much for sending this dear person into my life. You have brought to me someone who seems to be an encouragement to me as I am to most people. Help me Lord, to be strong-minded. Help me Father, to have strength and wisdom where they would be needed most. May I not stray away from your mighty hand of mercy. I love you so much and you are the true Inspiration of my entire life. I love you with all my being, Lord Jesus. May I never, ever lose sight of that. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' Name I pray, amen. (1:37 am)

Divine Intervention Looks Coincidence in the Eye

I had a very interesting night last night. I was in my dorm room listening to music and relaxing. Boy it feels good to relax for a change! I heard my phone ringing and I said to myself "I bet I know who this is." I was thinking it was Sean because he calls me all the time. I said "hello?" and all of the sudden this music starts playing. There was no one saying anything in response. Just this random music. After that, I heard a phone ringing. I thought "ok, that's weird." This person picks up the phone on that end and he's like "hello?" We start wondering what happened. He thought I called him and I know that I didn't. It was really weird. For a few minutes we talked about it and kept wondering how it happened, then we started laughing about it. We laughed a lot. lol Then we started introducing ourselves and told each other about our backgrounds. We have a lot of the same beliefs and think pretty much the same way. It was quite fascinating! What was also kinda weird was this; when we were talking, some random music would start playing. He was like, "are you playing that?" "No, I'm not" I said. He kept asking me if I was sure and I kept telling him I was. We laughed a lot after that. Anyway, his name is Brad and he lives not too far off from me on East 14. We exchanged dorm room numbers and decided that we're going to meet each other tonight during open dorms. That's going to be interesting. We don't know how this came about but we're both glad it did. Brad told me that he needed a break at the time anyway. He was working on a paper then. I don't know what's to come of this meeting but it sounds like it might be the start of a fun friendship. I named this blog "Divine Intervention looks Coincidence in the Eye" because we think it might've been God who had something to do with this in some way. Also, he doesn't believe in coincidence so we just called it divine intervention. I'll probably write a follow-up blog later after open dorms tonight just to keep you posted.

Dear Lord, I have a question for you; was this all you? I know you want me to be single for a reason. I know that for a fact, but is this your way of telling me the reason why you wanted me to be single? I bring these questions to you now. I lay them down at your feet, my Heavenly Father. Help me Lord, to stay focused no matter what happens tonight. I love you so much and I know you wouldn't let me go on this journey of life alone. Thank you God, for being so faithful. You're the reason I live and breathe. In Jesus' Name I pray, amen. (4:13 pm)

Stress...and yet, Perfect Joy Awaits Me

Well, I have to say these past couple of days have been crazy. I spent two nights in a row at the computer lab doing work, I have a biology test this afternoon, and I'm stressing over how I'm going to get home. My friend Richie might not be able to take me this time because his car seems pretty full. I hope and pray though that no matter what circumstances come my way, I will have perfect joy in the Lord. It says in Philippians 3:1, "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe." No matter what happens, I can be still and know that God is God. It is also stated in chapter 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Yes, I use the King James Version if you haven't guessed that already. (laughs) For those of you who stress over the finals you have and how much studying you have to do for them, don't worry! God has your back. He's there with you making sure you do well. Sure, you have to do the work which includes studying, but remember that God is with you. Gosh, I have to tell myself that. There are times when I forget and the finishing results don't come out so well. I have to realize that whatever trial or hard time I face, God is there with me. He is the light at the end of my tunnel. He's the One who holds me in His arms when I need a shoulder to cry on. He leads me on and tells me to always trust Him no matter how rough the terrain along the way. Stress comes, but then perfect joy awaits me.

Dear Lord, I thank you for helping me realize this today. I pray to you Father for your mighty hand to take over my life. Help me to become more like you. May I never forget what I've been put on this earth to do. I've been called to worship you in spirit and in truth. May I never stray away from that. I want your precious word to be pure in my mind and in my spirit always. I love you, Lord. I delight in serving you all the days of my life. In Jesus' mighty Name I pray, amen. (2:22 pm)

A Lot To Think About... Maybe

There's been so much on my mind lately; Philosophy, Biology, Music Theory, Aural Skills, Worship class, so much stuff! Now I have the Living Christmas Tree to add on to it this year. All I can do is pray and thank God that I can rely on Him for the strength to keep on going. Lately, I've been hanging out with a friend that keeps me encouraged, is great company and makes me laugh a lot. His name is Travis Davis and if he didn't see this blog coming, it will probably take him by surprise. (laughs) I told him once that I have many friends, but there are few people I call best friends. After that, he asked me "well, what does that mean?" and I told him, "you're one of those few." He seemed pretty touched by that. It's the truth though. I couldn't ask God for a better friend. When he goes home to minister at his church, I miss him. When I see him before or after we're done in the tree, I'm always happy to see him. (sighs) I'm such a mess sometimes when it comes to describing friends that really stick out in my memory. I'm not afraid to admit that. Heck, I'm always a mess! What am I talking about? The thing is, whenever a certain friend comes into my deep thoughts, I write about them. It's just something I do. I hope and pray that everything will pretty much stay the same in this case. I don't want a thing to change. To Travis: you truly are a blessing to me and a joy to be around. Thank you for listening to me when I had something to say. Thanks so much for sticking by me when I needed someone in times of trial (namely, my tug-of-war between you know who). I thank my Heavenly Father for you and I pray that God will bless you just as much as He has blessed me when He put you into my life. Hmm... He might have started that already when Jessica came into the picture. (chuckles) You and Jess are in my prayers always. May God bless you and keep you safe wherever you go.

Prayer: God, I thank you so much for everything; your loving kindness, tender mercies and hope for the future. I pray now for Travis and Jessica. May their relationship be surrounded by your grace. I thank you for your angels encamped round about them, protecting them wherever they go. Thank you also for giving me the chance to be at this great university. May I never forget what you brought me here for. Help me Father to keep my mind at ease about different things, whether it be tests, relationships or anything else. May my mind be at rest because I know I'm safe in your arms. Thank you Lord for everything and everyone you've blessed me with. I love you so much. In Jesus' Name I pray, amen. (4:40 am)