Immanuel: God with US

Do you feel it? Can you smell it dancing in the air? Can’t you hear the peaceful melody making its way around the world? Is your heart jumping with anticipation?

Christmas is a time when love seems almost touchable: when everyone seems to be drunk with a radical love. A giving love. There is an aroma of magnificent evergreen trees and scrumptious cookies filling houses with a sweet scent. Christmas is a moment during the year when you can hear songs of truth and anticipation of a coming Savior, a Redeemer, on mainstream radio stations…and people are actually singing along.

I have always adored Christmas time. It is a time of year of snuggling in your favorite chair, with your bible and journal, close to a cozy fire. And you can’t forget about your favorite Holiday drink from Starbucks! The red and white cup is easily my favorite accessory to any outfit. Christmas is a magical and enchanting season of laughter, warmth, love, traditions, family and faith

O come, O come Emmanuel,

and ransom captive Israel;

that mourns in lonely exile here

until the son of God appear.

I just finished reading Cosmic Christmas by Max Lucado. It completely blew my mind and opened my eyes to a side of the Christmas story I have never considered before. The spiritual warfare side of the Christmas story. It gave me a glimpse into God’s heart for sending His son to us in a brand new and creative way. Here is my favorite scene from the first chapter. It is written in the perspective of the angel Gabriel (the angel that tells Mary she is pregnant). The setting is the throne room of God.  Satan (also called Lucifer) enters in and this scene is the dialoged between God and Satan. Remember this is a fictional story. Max Lucado used his imagination to write this book but the main truths are very real. God loves us. God is sovereign. God is good. Immanuel: God with us.

*    *   *   *

Then God said, “The time has come for the second gift.”

Lucifer chuckled, “The second gift, eh? I hope it works better than the first.”

You’re disappointed with the first?” asked the Father.

“Oh, quite the contrary; I’ve delighted in it.” Lifting a bony finger, he spelled a word in the air. C-H-O-I-C-E.

“You gave Adam his choice.” Satan scoffed. “And what a choice he made! He chose me. Ever since the fruit was plucked from the tree in the Garden, I’ve held Your children captive. They fell. Fast. Hard. They are mine. You have failed. Heh-heh-heh.”

“You speak so confidently.” Replied the Father, astounding me with His patience.

Lucifer stepped forward, “Of course! I thwart everything You do! You soften hearts, I harden them. You teach truth, I shadow it. You offer joy, I steal it. You must admit, my work has been crafty.”

“Crafty? Perhaps. But effective? No. I know what you will do even before you do it. You deceptions have only served as platforms for My mercy. You are still My servant, Satan. When will you learn? Your feeble attempts to disturb My work only enable My work. Every act you have intended for evil, I have used for good.”

The two stood facing each other. God robed in light, each thread glowing. Satan canopied in evil, the very fabric of his robe seeming to crawl…

Satan rose to read the book of Life that God held.

 He read the words: Immanuel.

“Immanuel? God with us?” No. Not even you would do that. Not even you would go so far. The plan is bizarre! You don’t know how dark I’ve made the Earth. It’s putrid. It’s evil. It’s….”

“It’s is MINE,” proclaimed the King. And I will reclaim what is mine. I will become flesh. I will feel what My creatures feel. I will see what they see.”

Satan stood speechless.

God spoke, “I love my children. Love does not take away the beloved’s freedom. But love takes away fear. And Immanuel will leave behind a tribe of fearless children. I will take away all sin. I will take away death. Without sin and without death, you have no power. My children will not fear you or your hell.

“Why?” Satan asked. “Why would you do this?”

The Father’s voice was deep and soft.

“Because I love them.”

*     *    *    *

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not (and could not) overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, the world that was there through him, and yet the world didn’t even notice. He came to his own people, but they didn’t want him. But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God

The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood, to live among us.

~John 1:1-14 (MSG and NRSV)

“Remember, Christ, our Saviour

Was born on Christmas day

To save us all from Satan’s power

When we were gone astray”

In reflective awe and wonder this Advent/Christmas season,

Heidi

You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope

College life wears on you. At least it is starting to wear on me. Working on finding ways to continue to take care of myself in an environment where sleep is so rare and the work load intense. Jesus says, “Come all who are weary and I will give you rest.” That verse is cold water to my thirsty soul. Just proves to show that truly the “things” God calls us to are wondrous adventures, beautiful and full of life. But don't be fooled these adventures are not easy.  But the late nights, the hours of practice, the constantly being pushed to the end of my rope is worth it.

You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule” Matthew 5:4 MSG

Most nights I go to bed completely EHAUSTED, but also overflowing with joy and knowing I am blessed beyond measure. When you are living out your passion, it is not work. I am not living this lifestyle on my own strength but I am empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Coffee, tea, Jesus, worship, studying scripture, living in a Christ centered community are all some of the incredible gifts God has given me to give me strength, encouragement, joy and peace to keep going. To not give up. To continue to run the good race. I am reading Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis right now and it is blowing up my mind. Shaking me to the core. I have always loved reading Katie's blog and God has used it in huge ways in my life the past two years. And I know her book is going continue to challenge me to be a doer of the word. (A blogs on what God is moving in my heart in that regards is in the works).

I love to splurge on concerts. I love experiencing music and supporting the arts. I love music. It is a universal language. I honestly love all music. Good music is good music. As a worship leader studying Worship Arts at school; going to an old beautiful, historic music theater in the heart of downtown Seattle to worship and listen to GOOD worship music for 4 solid hours was an enchanting dream come true. By the first song I was wonderstruck in awe of all the musical beauty that was filling my ear drums. God presence was thick and tangible in the room. In this secular theater—God showed up. David Crowder, Gungor, John Mark McMillan, Chris August. I was overwhelmed by so much musical talent with hearts beating for the Lord Jesus Christ in one room.

The highlights of the night, Gungor blew the show away, their cellist played the cello AND beat boxed at the same time. He had a whole band in his mouth. Lisa Gungor is lovely as ever she was wearing a whimsical dress that both Aubrea and I badly want. The dress was a mix between something from Urban Outfitters and Free People. Christ August did his set with just his guitar and that incredible voice of his. He is so, so funny. He had me in stitches. He also talked about some deep theological issues and theories. Which being the theological nerd that I am, I LOVED. John Mark was his usually hipster, casual swagger self. He is one hairy dude. Reminds me of the men in Portland, OR. David Crowder Band played almost two hours and rocked it. I forgot how many famous worship songs that they wrote. What a great gift to the church. 

The most magical powerful moment of the night? Towards the end of the David Crowder Band set they sang How He Loves with John Mark McMillan (who wrote the song), Gungor, and Christ August. Every single hand in that concert hall was raised high and in awesome love for our Father God who loves us so. Wow. A holy moment that I will remember for the rest of my life. I have been blessed to say that I seen many concerts in my short lifetime. This was one of the best concerts I have been too. By far the best Christian Music/Worship concert I have been too. Not only is it worship music, (which though I am biased is my favorite type of music) it was not bad quality music. No lame four chord worship song but complex music bliss. Experimenting and worshiping God through good music.

Anyways, that is my summary of the concert for those who wanted to know how the concert was. I also must share how grateful I am for Jesus protection while we (Aubrea and I) were in downtown. We felt Him with us the entire time and Jesus went way out of His way to make it extremely obvious that we were not walking the streets of Seattle alone that night. From putting it on some of our friends heart to pray for our protection and that God would send an angel to watch over us. From God giving us wisdom for when we need to get off the street and come up with a plan in Macy's, to walking by churches with big light up signs lighting our paths with truths like "Christ is Hope" to walking back to our parking spot after the concert with other Christians who went to the concert too and their was a big guy in front of us in a rainbow tie dyed Cross t-shirt who also parked in the same parking garage as us. So literally we got to follow the cross all the way to our parking spot last night. It was like Jesus himself was leading the way, clearing the way for us. It’s incredible how far Jesus goes to give us peace in our hearts to show us that He is protecting us and watching over us. Answering our prayers. This is the Savior that I so deeply love and serve.

So much more I could share and want to share about my time here at SPU so far. But forced to stop and continue to study for my Spanish and Music Theory midterms.

Till the whole world hears,

Heidi 

The awakening of a beautiful two years.

“I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly. Though it's not easy to tell you goodbye. Out of the darkness and into the sun. I won't forget the place I come from. I gotta take a risk, take a chance, make a change and Breakaway. SPU are you READY??!!” ~September 22, 2011

“Seattle Pacific University, is e a dream come true, flawless, mesmerizingly beautiful, charming, and a soul mate! I am very blessed and thankful to be here. Grateful to God for making this possible! God truly does give good gifts to His beloved children!!” ~September 25, 2011

I love overcast, drizzly fall mornings. I broke out my rain boots today. They're pink with a vintage-y floral print. They make me happy. And I can use all the happy thoughts I can get when I have to wake up at 6:45AM Monday-Thursday for my Music Theory and Aural Skills (Music Ear Training) classes. As much as I fight the early mornings, a part of me secretly loves waking up early. The campus that is usually booming with life and chaos is still deep in slumbers until about 9am. Those courageous and daring enough to take early morning classes quietly walk around like ghost around campus.

I have found joy and peace eating breakfast at 7:20 AM in an almost empty cafeteria with my brown sugar and raisin oatmeal with a steamy hot mug of coffee. Most mornings I sit by myself, which oddly I enjoy and look forward too. It is the only time of the day where I can hear my own thoughts. A few minutes where I can be content with just my own presence and God's. I get time to reflect on my schedule for the day and decide early in the morning how I am going to live out my day. To be joyful always, to show grace and love to the students and staff that I encounter today, to make a conscious effort to stop and be thankful for the everyday miracles all around me. My life is very, very full here at SPU.

I was told not to have too high expectations for college. I told myself that I didn't want to be let down. But as the hopelessly over the top dreamer that I am, I couldn’t help myself. I dreamed big! I wanted only the best and most wonderful college experience. And after almost two weeks of being at SPU I have realize my dreams were not that far off. My expectations have been fulfilled. I already feel deeply cared for and loved by the girls on my floor. We are a family. The community here on campus is strong and connected by a common love for Jesus which then reflects itself in a genuine love for others. It is absolutely beautiful. You should come visit and see for yourself. I promise you will be shocked and inspired. I know I have been.

My relationship with God is stronger and more alive and thriving than ever. I am in an environment that is constantly encouraging me to go deeper in the everlasting ocean that is God. To know more, feel more, believe more, accomplish more, and be more and more like the Jesus who loves me so much-for a world that is thirsty for Him. I am discovering everyday more and more about who I am, my calling, my talents and gifts. I am pushed to perfect and nurture the talents that God has entrusted me with. These are exciting days in the Kingdom of God. I am pumped to have a part in what God is doing and moving in the world. It's about time for an Awakening and/or Revival! SPU has a heart for the things that break God's heart. These past few days have been incredible. Every single day I am inspired, encouraged, moved, empowered, and thankful!

Don't be fooled though. It is hard being here too. My professors see my potential and will not let me casually stroll through class on just my natural talent in communications and music like I have been able to get away with in high school. Since I am at a small university the professors invest in each student and really know the gifts and talents and natural ability of each student. They have not let me be lazy and just give enough to get by. They encourage me to pour out everything. To work hard not just to get by, but to go above and beyond. My professors, pastors, and God since I have been at SPU have given me a vision of my ministry potential. They have asked me to consider what I could accomplish for the Kingdom of God, if I devoted myself for the next two years to learn, grow, and constantly step outside my comfort zone. If I think my life is full now, if I think my ministry is alive and good now what could it be if I poured out absolutely everything the Lord has given me?

(Don't worry I have been taking as many breaks as I can for FUN too! There is not shortage of fun on campus)

And so the past two weeks I have been working harder than ever, I study a bunch and practice non stop. I live, breathe, and dream music, communications, and the Bible. There are moments where I hate it. I just want to quit and take the easy and comfortable way out. But I have seen such progress in just a week of school and training that I get empowered to keep on pushing through. If I already see improvement now where will I be after fall quarter? After a year? After two years? The possibilities are endless and exciting. Without a doubt I am called to be at SPU.

I will do my best to continue to keep you all updated on my adventures here! It truly is a set apart adventure. Love you all!

Heidi

The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be SET FREE! And that the time of the LORD’s favor has come. ~Luke 4:18-19

End of August 2011 Update

It would sound charming for me to say that I am writing this at my favorite cozy coffee shop with a perfectly crafted cappuccino from Compass or Paper Tiger. Plus, that is where people expect me to be. But what’s the fun in fulfilling people’s stereotypes and expectations of you? Okay, so maybe if I am honest I would say I do wish I was writing in my favorite coffee shop. The truth however is that I am in a loud, chaotic, my hometowns very own children’s dream land…Kids Club.

Oh yes, I can barely hear myself think over the little two year old girl in a flowery pink shirt and pig tails crying because her mother said it is time to go. Or the constant interruption every 10 minutes from my own little bundles of energy racing over to tell me some story in super sonic speed that I cannot follow at all—since they both are talking at the same time. I smile and nod my head enthusiastically and pretend that I understand every word and when they finally stop talking tell them “oohhh…that sounds like too much fun.” This is my default response to long stories from Luke and Jack, my three and eight year old boys I am watching this summer. 

Kids Club is a child’s dream a massive jungle gym equipped with plastic ball pool and cannons, big spiral slides, an indoor pool with its own water slide, a gym with a foam pit and other stuff for kids taking gymnastic classes, and a tiny food shack filled with all the garbage food that kids love but has absolutely no nutritious value. This is only the second time I have taken my boys here all summer. To say they are excited is an understatement. They know that Miss Heidi is not too fond of Kids Club. They know that a drum starts to pound really loud inside her head and she has to take two of these small red pills that make the pain go away (Ibuprofen) and then make a stop at Peets for coffee.

I am ranting on about this because I just finished Blue like Jazz today. Mr. Don Miller is a brilliant writer and thinker. I am desperately in love with the way he speaks his mind and the way he writes about Jesus. He ends his book thanking all the coffee shops He wrote his book at. As I am hear writing away I am imagining myself at one of the coffee shops he wrote about; Common Ground. I have always wanted to go to that coffee shop the one onHawthorneit just never has worked out for me to go. So as I am typing away in the loud kid zoo, I am pretending I am at Common Ground instead.

Don Miller seems like an authentic person, true to himself, I think I could be friends with Don. If I ever meet him (I only 15 minutes away from Portland) I will just walk up to him and say that I like him. Since apparently he likes to know that people like him. I would also make him buy me coffee because Blue Like Jazz alone sold over a million copies and is a best seller. And I am a young aspiring writer, speaker, and worship leader going to one of the most expensive colleges inWashington. However, I do like Solid Rock better than Imago Dei. And stand firm on my opinion that Compass Coffee is way better Stumptown. But I think we could look past those differences. Simply put, after reading Blue Like Jazz I feel like Don Miller and I are dear friends. It’s one of those types of books; you will have to go read the book to find out for yourself.

(10 hours later)

Well Luke came up to me in the middle of typing away on my laptop (I was on a roll) and demanded that I feed him. By the time he finished lunch, Jack was ready to go home. The next moment of down time I could fine to restart up my laptop and beginning writing again wasn’t until I scooped myself some chocolate ice cream at 12:29am and got cozy in my bed. That is an everyday occurrence of my life as a full time nanny this summer. Early mornings and late nights. I love it though. And after skyping my friend who left for college last week it will help prepare me for college. Every moment of this summer has been perfect, not easy, but worth it. I cannot wait to be a mother someday but I also know that I have a lot of things I want to accomplish before then.

I leave for Seattle Pacific University in 23 days. I cannot wait. I am so ready and feel prepared for this next step, this new season, this next chapter, this new adventure in my life. Only by the grace of God. Tomorrow is my last day hanging out with Jack and Luke all day long. They start school on Wednesday. I cannot believe this day is here already. Time sure does fly by. Now I need to begin the task of cleaning out my room, organizing what I need to take to college, throw away, donate or leave here. I need to make sure all my ducks are in a row with financial aid stuff and print out the list of “Things to Bring”. AND I need to start working on the cute DIY projects to decorate my dorm room. I could keep going on and on but as I sit here tonight…well actually this early morning…I realize there is a lot to do in 23 days. But I will not let myself get stressed or worried. God is good and everything will get done. It always does. God has proved Himself faithful in this area of my life over and over and over again. I want to enjoy this time. To have fun with my friends and family and treasure every moment in my heart because I know it will never be this way again.

Well this is my end of August update! I have been reading through Romans this month and I will leave you with one of my favorite passages…

God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir-not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to God and Father of our Master Jesus ~Romans 15:4-6 MSG

Seven Week Update

It has been SEVEN weeks since I last blogged. Can you say, “Summer job that I love but keeps me from blogging.” Okay, you don’t actually have to say that, but it is why I am behind on blogging. And it is not that I haven’t had anything to say. That has NEVER been a problem for me. There is always so much to share about what God has been teaching me about the adventures this set-apart life has taken me on. I have a whole bunch of blogs written that I need to edit and post. Hopefully, I can get those finished soon.
There are a few other reasons why I haven’t been blogging as much. First, Twitter. Yes, I may have hit an all time low in my life (as some might say) and created a Twitter account. It is easier for me to take two minutes to come up with a sentence about my day or what God is teaching me instead of a five paragraph blog. If you have a Twitter feel free to follow me. @heidi_johnson.

Secondly, I got an iPhone as a graduation present. It is easier for me to use Tumblr on my iPhone and I created a Tumblr account that I have been testing out this July. I really do like it and I am using Tumblr when I have a thought or idea that is too long for Twitter but not long enough for my Blogspot. So now I am going public with the fact that I have a Tumblr. Again if you would like to follow my Tumblr the URL is http://thehallowedadventure.tumblr.com Yes, I switched up the name from Set Apart Adventure to the HALLOWED Adventure. I have been loving on the word hallowed this month. Hallowed means regarded as holy, set apart, sanctified, sacred.

Moving on! The third reason blogging as not been such a big priority lately is I want to WALK my TALK. I don’t just want spend hours talking about how it should look to be on a Set Apart Adventure, I want to actually live it out!! Therefore, it is actually a good thing, when I go seven weeks without blogging because it means that I am too busy living out the Set Apart Adventure to sit down and write about it. However, since I have spent seven weeks without blogging I have SO much to say. So many tips and pointers I have for you all that I had to learn the hard way this summer. So many incredible miracles and beautiful moments that I have witnessed and been apart of  that I want to share to encourage you on your own Set Apart Adventure.

The past seven weeks have been filled with ice cream kisses, long games of baseball in the park, bike riding on zig zag-y trails, listening to tattle telling and ridiculously hard to follow stories that make no sense, constant laughter, screaming at two little” sharks” grabbing my legs in the pool, blowing things up and shooting at things with nerf guns, refereeing wrestling matches, and going to every single park in my hometown for picnics. In other words organized chaos.

My weekday morning routine consist of a early morning wake up call to greet God at my window as He explodes the sky with the perfect blend of colors just to say Good-morning back to me. I put on clothes that I know in a few hours will be covered in boogers, spit, grass stains, and dirt. A half hour later I walk into the best smelling store in the world: Peets. I get my extra hot caramel latte and find a cozy corner and dive into my Bible. I know it is the best way to get wisdom, love, and strength to take on the day. By the time I finish reading from Psalm, Proverbs, and Romans, I am ready to face another day. And every night I go to bed grateful, humbled, and feeling like the luckiest, richest, most loved girl in the world.

God is good. God is love. God is the sound of laughter. God is the fun during playtime. God is the ultimate tickle monster. God delights in bringing joy to His beloved children. God is there to wipe the tears from our face when we fall down. God is there to put a band aid on our “owies”. God is there in our arguments over toys. And God surprises us when He loves and encourages us instead of yelling in anger when we didn’t quite make it to the potty in time…

I have been spending countless hours Nanny-ing this summer and I wouldn't have it any other way. If you couldn't tell by now I am watching over two boys. I usually nanny girls so this is a whole new experience for me. I was worried at first, I love playing with girls: playing house, baking cookies, dress up, makeovers, dancing and singing to Justin Bieber, pretending to be Princesses, and picking flowers at the park. However, I love boys too! They are so much fun in such a different way. I have my fingers cross that I will have boys one day when I’m a mom.

Speaking of being a mom that is one thing I have learned this summer. I am called to be a mom. I know that may seem like an obvious revelation but I truly believe motherhood is a calling. Especially, raising godly children who are in love with Jesus and know how to love others. That is no small task as I have learned this summer trying to teach my boys about Jesus, serving others, and loving the people God puts in our life.

When I get discouraged (which happens a lot) I keep going back to Proverbs 31 where it paints this beautiful and captivating picture of a godly woman, wife, mother, and ministry worker. Even though I have read this passage of scripture hundreds of times, I am always inspired and convicted by this Proverbs 31 woman. I recently read "The Lost Art of True Beauty" by Leslie Ludy and she wrote this about the Proverbs 31 passage...

"A Proverbs 31 woman--She lives a miraculous, superhuman, victorious, amazing fulfilling, poured out life. She is stunningly beautiful, dignified and strong, stronger than every other woman around her. She is the living testimony of God's beauty, power, and love. "

I have been praying Proverbs 31 over my life. Praying that the Holy Spirit would start molding me, transforming me, and changing me into the greatest example of a Proverbs 31 woman the world has ever seen. And this is no simple prayer. Throughout history, there have been many incredible women who were pictures of a Proverbs 31 woman. But this is the desire of my heart. I know that I could never do this on my own strength—only by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit working within me. This will be a process that will take my whole life. But I am willing! Oh am I willing to be used.

"She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy...She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Her children call her blessed; her husband also praises her. Many women do noble things, but your surpass them all. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised." ~ Proverbs 31: 20; 25-26; 28-30 (just a few of my favorite verses from that passage)

As you can see there is LOTS going on in my life. I haven’t even begun to talk about the process of preparing to move to Seattle in the fall. That is a blog post in itself. I hope you all are having a lovely summer.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law ~Galatians 5:22-23

Praying that the Holy Spirit would crash into us. That all the fruits of the Spirit would burn deeply in our hearts.

Love & Blessings,

Heidi

June Update

Come with me on a journey…

A journey that started four years ago when I thought I knew what my life would be like. Oh friends, how I had absolutely NO idea what God actually had planned.

A journey where God, day after day, drenches me with an inexpressible joy. A joy that is overflowing in my heart and makes my smile radiant. A joy where I wake up every morning happy and ready to serve my Savior.

A journey that has taken me deeper into the ocean of God’s heart and His relentless love—a true, beautiful love more wonderful than anything I could ever imagine.

A journey where I am daily learning to utterly depend on a faithful God and to trust in HIS ways and plans over my own.

A journey where my Good Shepherd at times has lead me through valleys’ of death and green pastures with still waters

A journey where I have accomplished, with the Holy Spirit dwelling within me, parts of my calling and mission beyond my wildest dreams.

A journey that requires me to pick up my cross and follow my Savior. To daily pour out more and more of my self.

A journey that is far from over…

It seems so surreal to me that it is already June. This June is extra special because it is June 2011. When I was a little, wide eyed, carefree, barefoot, dancing around the playground with flowers in my hair—fifth grader dreaming about the wonders (*cough* unrealistic expectations) of middle school and the joys to come of one day being a high school student, I figured out what year I would graduate high school. June 2011 seemed so far away back then. Yet, here I am, 18 years old, holding tightly to the few days left I have of my childhood, but it keeps slipping through my fingers.

However at the same time, I can barely contain my excitement and my imagination is going wild with the possibilities of this new chapter of my life story that I am about to embark on. This year I have been learning about how God is the author of our life stories and how He promises, when we fully give up the pen to Him, to write a thrilling, one-in-a-million, set apart adventure story. Even in the short time that I have surrendered my life to Christ, He has taken me on the most incredible adventure. I have been loving on 1 Corinthians 2:9 this month:

No eye has seen, No ear has heard, no mind could fully understand, the amazing plans that God has for those who love Him

God has plans to use our lives in ways we could never fully understand. The life God has planned for us is not something we can accomplish in our own strength, wisdom, and love.

God has a plan for my voice. Even when the world says I’m not good enough.

God has a plan for my writing. Even when I don’t believe it myself.

God has a plan for my passion for public speaking to advance HIS Kingdom. Even when my friends and family think I should use it to advance my own kingdom.

God has plans for all the gifts and talents. Even when people say that my vision of impacting thousands or millions of people for the Kingdom of God is foolish dreaming and ridiculous. Yet, God has so graciously entrusted with me with all these gifts and He is going to work through me to do the impossible. Because is anything too hard for God?

For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose ~Philippians 2:13

There is a quote I have written on my study bible (it is about ready to fall apart because I use it so much) that says, “No matter what we know about Jesus now, there is always more to be discovered and experienced. In fact, even eternity won't be enough to fully grasp His insurmountable glory and brilliance.”

God is an endless frontier. He is a frontier that no one has reached the end of or fully explored. I am constantly challenging and daring myself to go further. There is always more to be discovered and experienced. And so I devote my life to running deeper and deeper into this endless frontier. That is truly the set-apart adventure. Because as we go further into the never-ending ocean of God’s love the waters get sweeter and sweeter, life gets fuller and fuller, and my soul continues to overflow with an indescribable peace.

Hebrews 11. I read that chapter over and over when I need inspiration to keep running after God. God is worth it. Look at what some of the Bible Greats did when they surrendered their lives to God and trusted in His power in their lives to do the impossible…

Through acts of faith, they toppled kingdoms, made justice work, took the promises for themselves. They were protected from lions, fires, and sword thrusts, turned disadvantage to advantage, won battles, routed alien armies. Women received their loved ones back from the dead. There were those who, under torture, refused to give in and go free, preferring something better: resurrection. Others braved abuse and whips, and, yes, chains and dungeons. We have stories of those who were stoned, sawed in two, murdered in cold blood; stories of vagrants wandering the earth in animal skins, homeless, friendless, powerless—the world didn't deserve them!—making their way as best they could on the cruel edges of the world. ~Hebrews 11:33-38

When you aim for the impossible, you are usually misunderstood, scoffed at, and at odds with the rest of the world. But what if our so-called impossible dreams are not impossible at all? That is the truths that I am holding on too as I enter into this new season in my life.

For the rest of June I will continue to blog about my reflections as I begin this new chapter of my life story and as I watch my childhood come to an end. God has put this subject on my heart and hopefully I can do my best to find the words to explain it all. It’s now officially summer for me. I am done with high school and my first two years of college. I have exactly three months before I head off for a new adventure in Seattle. I have no idea what the future holds but I do know: that it is wonderful to be in the hands of the living God…it’s a hallowed adventure of a lifetime.

Believing in the Impossible by the power of our Great God,

Heidi
 

 
(Pictures from Audrey Hephurn Complex tumblr)