Not alone

I found this conversation from Harry Potter in another blog the other day, and it really resonated with me. If you do not know much about Harry Potter, then you might not completely understand, but if you are familiar, it will make sense:

Luna Lovegood says: We believe you, by the way. That He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is back, and you fought him, and the Ministry and the Prophet are conspiring against you and Dumbledore.

Harry Potter: Thanks. Seems you're about the only ones that do.

Luna Lovegood: I don't think that's true. But I suppose that's how he wants you to feel.

Harry Potter: What do you mean?

Luna Lovegood: Well if I were You-Know-Who, I'd want you to feel cut off from everyone else. Because if it's just you alone you're not as much of a threat.

There is so much truth in that. But, I am not alone. We are not alone. Last week reminded me of that. It re-affirmed the community of Christ for me and provided opportunities for conversations that I greatly needed and was encouraged by. It reminded me that we are not alone in this battle against the evil one, and together our lights can shine bright in this dark world. It was most definitely a blessing and could not have come at a better time. God really spoke and I did my best to listen. Worship was uplifting, the speakers were amazing, classes were great, and my time with Kayla was priceless. I am so thankful that I was able to be there and be so blessed; and am thankful for the community I have-even though we are usually miles apart-I am still very appreciative. It has been a true blessing over the years to have such a special community and for it to have only grown stronger over the years.

It also reminded me once again what a great and special place LCU is and has been-and the friendships and relationships that have been formed out of there and continue to grow. I am ever so thankful for them, and am grateful for reminders of how God has worked by sending me there and continuing to bless me through people He has placed directly in my path. I pray those relationships continue to grow and opportunities continue to abound.

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." ~Deuteronomy 37:8

Three simple words, One great week!!

Man, God has REALLY been speaking to me this week while I have been hanging out at Encounter in AMAZING ways. He never ceases to amaze me.

One of the things that really opened my eyes the other day this: I was writing out a prayer, and at the end of the prayer after crying out to Him I wrote "I love you, God". I just stared at those words, wondering how long it had been since I had written those words, much less spoken them out loud. It has been a long time-way too long. I just sat there and prayed over and over again, "I love you, I love you, I love you..." I know that He loves me unconditionally, I know I follow Him because I love Him, but I had not expressed that to Him like I should. Wow, what an incredible revelation.

He has reminded me that I am valued, I am loved, that I am not alone in this battle against the evil one, that He has never left me and has always been by my side, that when the storms of life come-He is there, He turns my mourning into dancing, He washes my tears away and one day there will be no more tears or pain, He carries my burdens and I can lay them at His beautiful feet, His love is so deep for me-as far as the east is from the west, and so many other things that I needed to hear and be affirmed by.

What incredible reminders. What a faithful God. The future is still uncertain, I still have things to work through, but this I know-God is with me. He has never left me, nor will He ever. Even when satan throws his arrows towards me, I AM NOT ALONE.

He has placed people in my path this week to give me hugs; to encourage, love, and affirm me. He has reminded me how truly blessed I am and strengthened and renewed relationships. I have a lot of great friends, a huge network, and a wonderful family in God. I am so thankful for that. I needed that right now more than ever, and God provided. I have been able to worship Him fully and openly, something that I have not been able to do for a long time.

Thank you, Lord for your everlasting love and faithfulness. You are my God and I LOVE YOU.