An overview of the past 8 months...

Well, it is now obvious that I, Lori, stink at blogging. I apologize to my fellow bloggers/followers that may read this..if there are any out there that is. So what has my life looked like since February? Well hectic and FULL of changes!

   End of February-Into March: Months of change. 

It was time for me to move out of where I was living, because my roommate was recently engaged and her boo was moving up to OKC. So with his moving up here, it was time for them to get some of their house in order before they got married (which was this past July!!!); happy for you sweet people! Not sure of where to go, I gave it to God and just lived life knowing He was in control of it all. My college roomie Randi contacted me a few short days later. She filled me in on her husband getting a new job, but with this job came traveling. She didn't want to be alone while he was gone and I understood. God decided to bring us back together and I was thrilled. We were able to find a house within a few weeks and moved in during the middle of March. The house definitely has it's unique parts and we realized that we will be able to have a great story when this chapter is over. 

   April: Rain and stillness.

With April, not much happened. Randi and myself were adjusting to living with each other again and then adding her husband, Matt, into the mix. It was a lot of fun! Staying up late sometimes and just all having a good time. Somewhat like college, but now with actual bed times and jobs to go to during the week. I feel like it rained a lot in April, which was nice. Cooling things off a bit, getting ready for a beautiful Spring. If only I knew how beautiful May was going to really be. 

   May: A new plan unfolds. 

As may began, I was starting to ask myself, "What next?" Little did I know God was outlining something big. A few weeks into May, I was at my church's college service Elevate and it was another great night of worship and Word. The pastor that is over the college internship got up and spoke about a trip that was in the works for going to Africa. My heart started to beat fast and I instantly knew this was the trip and the moment I had been waiting for, for the past 11 months. Back in June of 2011, I felt God calling me to Africa, but I had no idea when or with whom. He was finally answering my questions. I made sure I filled out the application for the trip as soon as possible and made myself available for the trip. When June came it was time for the work to begin.

   June-August: The preparation begins, now.

Once I found out I was officially on the team to Africa, it seemed as if my world sped up. The mission was to raise $2500 within 5 months and I was little nervous. I knew that God wanted me on this trip and that the money was definitely no object. But the object that stood in my way, was myself. I have never been on a missions trip overseas and the only mission trips I had gone on, I had raised the money by working or asking just my family members to help me out. I knew that I had to get over this doubt that I couldn't do it by myself. That part was true though..I couldn't do it on my own, but I could do it with the power of God. I sent out some letters and the response was good, but then I decided that I really needed to get the word out about this issue and trip. And to get the word out on how much this issue of human trafficking has my heart. I then turned to Facebook and the response was out of this world. Friends, family, people that I've known for a lifetime and people I've met within the past few years all started to take a stand with me. The feeling was empowering. Knowing that God has His hand in all of this still blows me away. I started to post a countdown for my trip and people that came into the office at my work would stop and ask about why I was going and when. I've been able to build a new foundation and friendship with these wonderful people I have the opportunity to work with. My support grew and is still growing as I type this tonight/this morning. September came quickly and as summer came to a close, my relationship with God turned a new page.

   September: He has His hand in it all.

I started attending a small group just after the first of September. The small group was about how to hear God's voice. I learned that there are four major keys into hearing Him more clearly: In the stillness (quiet time), through spontaneous thoughts, through vision (dreams/images), and through journaling. On my first night, God showed up in a huge way. We took time out at the end to take a few minutes and spend some quiet time with God. Since it was my first time, the group prayed for me and I prayed for a few in the group. We shared what God had spoke to us about the people we prayed for. I was blown away by what I was told and just felt God's love pouring over me. Since that small group, I've been journaling and hearing His voice as the days go on. It's been amazing to see how He speaks things through me to tell to people. It has definitely made me more confident in my relationship with Him.My trip was paid off towards the end of September and all I can remember is rejoicing at how awesome He is. I knew that He would take care of it all and that He did. 

   October: Here we go, folks!
As I sit here, now 9 days away from the trip that will change my life, I am in awe. To be honest, I am a little nervous. Not nervous as in scared for what is going to happen, but anxious to see what His plans are for me there. There is a reason that I am going with this group of 16 people, during this time of the year. We were hand picked for this mission and I am excited to see what is in store for us in Africa. I know that I will not have internet/phone access while I am there, but I cannot wait to share the experiences I have while I am there. Please begin to pray for our team as we continue to prepare on this new journey. Pray for the country we will be traveling to and the people we will be talking to. Pray for the people who will change our lives. Pray for the relationships that are formed and the lives that are forever intertwined for eternity.

 Thanks for reading what I've been up to this past year! =)

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed." 

Proverbs 31:8

A Life Fully Live...

Happy New Year!!!! Yes, I know I am a month late on that, but I believe you can say Happy New Year till at least March when St. Patty's Day takes over! (Okay..maybe in a week when Valentine's Day, really takes over. =D) Man, life has been a wonderful and crazy ride since the last post. God blessed me with an amazing job that I love. A lot of my friends are getting engaged..which equals round two of weddings--which I am THRILLED about. Not sure if I have ever expressed my LOVE of weddings...but now I have! 2012 has already brought trials and tribulations, but I will survive them because I have a Father who is above all that! I should really start at the beginning of the year to fill you in on what has been going on. It's some pretty exciting stuff! 

Right before the New Year hit, I was able to go to the OneThing Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. It is one of the most AMAZING conferences I have been to. It is led by IHOP--The International House of Prayer. I was only able to be there all of Friday and Saturday, but it was worth it! So, we get there and start walking to the convention center and I just see tons and tons of people and I start getting super excited! We walk into this HUGE room and it just goes on for miles it feels like. We make it to our seats and just start praising God the way we want to. You have people dancing, sitting down, stand up, crying their eyes out, yelling and praising God..the list goes on and on. It was such a freeing experience just to praise the One who I call Father. Friday and Saturday were both filled with amazing praise and worship sessions, awesome teachings, and lots of prayer and focus on my relationship with Christ. On Saturday there was a praying in tongues class, that all the girls in my group that I went with, wanted to go to. I was anxious and excited to just learn and ask God to bless me with the gift of tongues. Our professor was hilarious and the way he spoke about being baptized in the fire was thrilling. He even spoke a little bit on water baptism, which had me thinking. I initially asked God to bless me with the gift, but I was holding myself back. I know that it is a beautiful language between God and yourself, so I definitely think I will get there one day. So Saturday night we had a party...a HOLY GHOST party!!!!!!!!!!!! "Because..their ain't no party, like a Holy Ghost party, 'cause a Holy Ghost party don't stop!!!" We sang and worshiped God once again and heard a powerful and strong message from Lou Engle. And how did we ring in the new year, you ask?! We danced, danced, and danced, as well as sing and praise God. The ENTIRE room that was filled with thousands of people of all ages were dancing. We were all filled with the Holy Spirit and it was beautiful. I know that I am going back next year, because that is how you welcome Christ into 2012! If any of you who read this want to go with me.. please let me know!!!! :)

 2012. A New Beginning.

On January 22nd around 1 pm, I decided to rededicate my life and faith at Frontline Church, which is downtown. What an experience for the first of the year! Since that class at IHOP that I attended, I just felt that it was time to get serious and to just start fresh. I was baptized at the age of 8, when my childlike faith was at it's best. Since then, I have experienced sin, let down after let down, and I have been raised from the ashes because of my Heavenly Father. So I rededicated my life and it has not been an easy road. The whole month of January, I struggled. No idea what was going on till I went to church this past Sunday night and actually had someone pray with me. I was attacked, spiritually. I found myself tired all the time and just not wanting to go to church. I wanted to be in my Father's house, but I just didn't have the energy or drive to. And when I was there, I was so disconnected from it all. Come to find out, just in case any of you don't know, but the devil HATES us. He is not happy with our decision to get baptised, to show our faith and relationship to Christ. In fact, he despises us!!! I really took that hard. Why and how can someone hate you that much to make your life miserable?! It definitely put things into perspective for me and made me fall in love with Christ even more. He LOVES us!! Even we sin and hurt Him. HE.LOVES.US!!! I just get so giddy inside. I know just a tiny bit of what He has in store for me and I cannot wait. I just have to keep seeking Him and walking with Him till then. 

Lots of reading, glad you stayed with me till the end of it! Love you all! I really am blessed to have you all as friends and family. You don't even know where I would be without the amazing encouragement. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! =D

STOP SOPA!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey friends! Read about what is going on right here in the US! Be informed and join the millions of us who are wanting to STOP what is going on! Yes, YOU have a voice! Inform your family, your friends, your neighbors.. anyone you can think of! Take a stand, sign the petition!

http://sopastrike.com/strike/

The Road Less Traveled

Since becoming jobless back in February 2011, my life definitely went down a road that most 20-something lives seem to take after graduating college. As I viewed my options, I was so unsure of what road to take. There was Road A: Which was to find a job here in Oklahoma City, doing something that related to my degree and getting paid a fair amount. Then Road B: Go back to working for my old company, just till something came along. Then there was Road C: Move back to Texas because all the doors in Oklahoma City are closing. Road C really looked like the best option at the end of June, but slowly started to realize that things weren't lining up down there in good ole Texas as I had hoped. So what do you do when all the Roads you choose don't feel right and there is this unsettled feeling that says to wait?! Well, you wait and while you wait you go to Whataburger at 11:30 pm on a Wednesday night after an Elevate service with a few close and very in-tune with God type of friends. 

That takes me to Road D, also known as "The Road Less Traveled."

As we were all sitting around eating some Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits and catching up on life, my dear friend Danielle decided to speak some hard truths into our lives. As she went around the table, I just listened and definitely agreed with what she was saying. But I was curious and anxious to find out what she had in store for me. So, my time came and all she said was, "I don't know what your deal is and what you are waiting for, but you need to figure it out." Of course I laughed and said, "Yes, that's so true" and then the topic of Africa came out of my mouth. Another good friend was taking a trip in August to South Africa to spend two weeks with an organization my church is a part of and then to eventually move down there a few months later. I spoke how I was so envious and wish I could do that. So naturally what the table of friends said, "...then why don't you?" 

I sat there with that question and something inside like a bright light was finally switched on. I tried to hide that light and spoke of  "That's the other end of the world!" But that didn't phase me at all. And then of course a huge question of, "What about my parents and who will take care of them?" Easily answered: Matthew 8:21-22 and Matthew 10:31-39 (look them up!) So of course I look them both up and read them a few times over and the same response keeps repeating, "No Father, I am worthy and I want to follow You, wherever that may take me." I was finally at peace and it felt so right in my heart and in my spirit to go be a part of what is happening in South Africa. 

For those of you reading this and wondering, "WHAT! Lori, come on, really Africa?!?" Come talk to me about it so I can just talk your ear off on how amazing God is and the work and light He is showing me. Or for those who may be wondering when I'm going and for how long...I have no idea! I'm still waiting on all those answers to be answered. I know that it won't be next month, but I have a feeling it will be very soon in 2012. I'm so excited for what God has up His sleeve and I really can't wait to finally be doing what He has prepared me to do. 

By the way... After realizing my cause and location, God opened the door for a job and then a few weeks later, opened a bigger door for another job. He is good and when we decide to dive in and say, "Yes God," He provides us with the location. Pretty cool! :) So say "Yes God" and wait for the what and where!

Post Grad

Well, as of last Wednesday at 4:40 pm I am officially done with college and school for at least a year. I've been in school since I was 5...that is 18 years! It is such a weird feeling and I have no idea what to do with myself right now. I watched the movie "Post Grad" a couple months ago and boy can I relate! I apply to places, hear nothing, and keep trying to figure out when the job I'm meant to be at will finally come along. I also feel like moving back to Texas with my parents and Grandma, but I know that is not the answer--just my way of not facing the hard times. All I know is that God has a plan and I have to keep reminding myself of that (at least every hour of every day). I think I am just anxious to finally get a job that I will love and have a lot of offer--whatever that may be. I'm ready for the next chapter of my life to begin and I'm ready to help people. Watch out world, here I come! :)


Until next time!

I'm Still Here

          Hello world! Wow, so lets just say since I was last on, a lot has happened. Definitely some clarity and some growth in my relationship with Christ. So..where to begin?! Since I last posted I guess! :)

          When I got back from Dallas, I was so pumped and ready to find a job. Of course I thought that part of life would come easy, but it didn't. Many weeks of dead ends and almost losing all hope, I turned to my small group at church and received so much wisdom. One friend was gracious enough to give me a ride to church and I was telling her about my frustrations and she made me listen to what I was actually saving. When planning my unemployment I made one mistake.. I PLANNED it. By now, you'd think I would know that its God's plan, not mine. And then later after small group another wise friend told me about the book of Matthew and how it would be good to read and dive into. And that we have to just wait and listen to God, we can't rush things because in time we will see His beautiful plan. As the week went on, it was worship night at Elevate (our college/career) service on Wednesday nights at 9 at Victory (you all should come!). Worship that night was so clarifying and I realized that I was holding back from God once again. I wasn't truly trusting Him with the job He was preparing for me. So after that night it all seemed to change. Thursday morning I decided to call this one contact one last time before moving on. She ended up calling me back 20 minutes later and told me to come in Monday so we could talk! I was so excited--finally a door! Later that afternoon I received a call from another friend who told me I needed to come apply for a job opening where she was at. So I did on Friday morning! I just couldn't believe it--2 doors in just a couple hours?! I was seeing God's plan starting to unfold. That following Monday I went and spoke with the woman and when I left I had 4 more job possibilities. I am stunned by this point! Of course when we really give Him everything, it all seems to work out!

          Well that's now all the exciting news that I have... this past weekend I attended by first (and definitely not last) Passion Conference in Ft. Worth, Texas. I went down there with a few of my small group members and it was such an amazing time getting to spend time with them and 10, 500+ other college-aged students from around the US and the world. As we were traveling down there early Friday afternoon, I had no idea what to expect. I still had no idea till the intro to the conference started. Worship was great the first night as well as Louie Giglio's sermon, but it didn't really hit me--I guess because I was just in a daze. After the service we went to our community groups and I was lucky enough to be in the BEST one--the RED group (shout out!) and then we split into family groups of 8. It was cool because we were all different ages and in different stages of college. Beginning, middle, finishing, grad-school, working/not working. It was awesome! So Saturday is really when it all hit me.
         Our time with our family group that morning and worship was so great and I was just stunned at everyone worshiping the one same God above. Our morning speaker was Francis Chan and wow how great is he! It was awesome seeing a man so in love and in tune with God. What he said really started to sink in. What Louie had spoken about was how if we were to live another day, it would be great because we'd still be preaching the word of God, but if we were to die today--how much of a GAIN that would be. Francis backed this thought up and really made me understand it. I guess that is an issue I've always had within myself. How could people be so excited about dying and going to Heaven? Look at how beautiful life is here on Earth. But I finally GOT it and realized that Heaven is going to be such an amazing place when we get there, that why would we want to stay here on Earth another day? It was such an eye-opening experience that when we started worshiping again, I couldn't help but cry and thank Him for all that He has blessed me with in my short little span of life so far. Later that night we all gathered again and worshiped and listened to John Piper and man did he bring it. He spoke on how God loves us and why He would do what He did for us. Then ending answer came out to be that our heart was MADE by God to love God. Man, He gave up His son for us. For us to live and breathe and to serve others for Him. Crazy when you think about it! Sunday was a big wrap up and I couldn't believe it was already time to go home. By the time we left, I felt like all 10,500+ of us were a family and our reunion was over for now. I just look back and remember all the great people that I met this past weekend and I thank God for bringing them into my life. I thought I was so in love with Christ, but its crazy because my love for Him grows more and more each day! Wow, oh wow! I'm excited for life and whatever may be ahead :)

Forgiveness

           So earlier tonight, I used good 'ole facebook to contact an old friend. The one I was talking about in an earlier post; the one I was wanting to reach out to, to say sorry. Since that post, little things have have been brought to my attention and knowledge by the wonderful hands of the man upstairs (God). In one of my daily devotionals the topic of the day was about grudges and the verse that was used was Proverbs 17:9. "Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends." On Sunday, God used the new pastor at my parent's church to also back up that day's devotional as well. What was holding me back? Nothing. Completely nothing. So today I decided I'd venture out and say sorry, and boy was I depending on God for his guidance on what to say. She ended up responding an hour or so later and it was a really positive response. What did I have to fear? All was forgiven between us both and that bridge has now started to be mended..and we are now facebook friends! :) I know all of that may sound silly to you all reading this, but honestly I love people so much, so why should I have a grudge from high school about something that really did not include me at all?! The only person I can thank and give credit to for this is my love, God. He has so much grace that He gives to us everyday freely, so why should we not forgive and seek forgiveness from people that may have hurt us in the past? I'm happy and blessed beyond words. 

          These days spent at home so far have been great. I've been counting down the days till I will be back in OKC and I am really wanting them to slow down. I enjoy being home with my parents and seeing friends, but the days just go by so fast. I've also been looking for jobs back in OK, but I have no idea what I am looking for. Starting to get lost, but at the same time, I'm not worried. I know that God's plan for me is going to be something great and I can't wait to find out what it will be. Okay, no joke I'm listening to music on my phone and a song by my church called, "No Greater Love," just came on and...whoa! Part of the lyrics went, "I can go to the East or West, travel through the galaxy, but wherever I may be, even there Your hand will guide me." Wow, powerful! Crazy, huh?! I'm in such awe of what God's plan for my life is. I know I'm going to be more than alright and I'm ready. 

          I'm so in love, it's crazy! Definitely time for bed and I know I am going to sleep so soundly tonight! :) My God is so, so great!!