~We have the power

A few weeks ago I went with my parents to a Land of Promise conference that was held in our area. Was it good? Absolutely! I was so inspired, encouraged, and challenged by the speakers and especially my group leaders.
Its hard to pick out what I appreciated the most about it but tonight I was really hit by something God showed me in one of my small group sessions.
We were praying and at the end my group leader would always wind up with "Holy Spirit speak to my heart." And so we would stop and listen, then she would look around at each of us and ask "What did He tell you?" Well, this particular time I very distinctly heard "You have the power to love."
Now I have to say I do love... but I don't love. What I mean is, in my heart I do but I have always had trouble showing it, and expressing it to others. I'd always say things like "I'm not a huggy person." Or "I'm not the emotional type." But God so impressed it on me, that He has given me the power to love, and to show it to others. It's always been there. But I was not embracing that power. I was not living in it. (Not saying that go around giving everyone hugs now) Does that make sense?
Since then I've caught myself thinking, I'm not like that. But you know what? By God's grace I can be and will be! I am not bound to what I was or think I am. I have been adopted by the God of the universe and set free by the death of His Son. I have the power! Not in myself. Not in my abilities, talents, or strengths, but by God's grace!
So I want to specifically point out one that I hear lots of people use. "I'm not a talkative person." You aren't? Maybe not. But does God want you to be? Does it stop you from sharing with people and offering encouragement when its needed? If so, that is not God's will for you! You really are believing a lie! Is God's grace not enough? Does He lack in strength? Where God guides, He provides!
And He said unto me "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.    2 Corinthians 12:10
God showed me something a while back. I was struggling with something, but then it dawned on me. If I did not struggle, I would have no need for His power. That is really what I see in this verse. God stands there with His hand stretched out towards us. Holding in front of us the strength and power we need. But until we reach out in faith, and actually believe that it is enough, we never experience all that God has to offer.
I always thought that I had faith and believed God. But at the conference I actually started looking and even more, expecting God to move. For Him to do what He said He would. Or to grant what we asked. And He really did. He really does. I guess it all comes down to "Do we believe what God says, He will actually do?"
We have the power, if only we have the faith to believe it and do it.

~Our first music video!!

Hey! So while we were in Arkansas we decided to make a music video. Slightly a spur of the moment thing...soooo after some tinkering, we (me and my uncle Joel) got it all put together! We prayed about it and over it, and I really feel God blessed our efforts! No, it's not professional! When I watch it now I see all the problems we had with editing and some videoing... but all in all we're happy with how it turned out.

~Riding with Roy (movie)

We are back now, (YAY!) but I just put together this movie of when I got to ride with Roy. So check it out!

~Just as I am

I got a new CD by Lois and India Rasquinha called Consecration. It is amazing! I love it! All the songs really hit me and speak to my heart. So I thought I'd share my favorite (so far) from the CD.
So they sang the traditional "Just as I am" but have a chorus with it. I've never heard it before, maybe you have? It's beautiful!

I come broken to be mended

I come wounded to be healed

I come desperate to be rescued

I come empty to be filled

I come guilty to be pardoned 

By the blood of Christ the Lamb

And I'm welcomed with open arms

Praise God! Just as I am!

What songs really speak to you? 

~Arkansas (movie)

Hey everyone! We're currently in Arkansas visiting family and friends. I'm starting to miss my horses, but fortunately there are plenty around to see. (and ride) So I thought I'd post the video I did of riding the neighbor Roy's horse. I was really looking forward to seeing him and his horses again. I'm hoping to go over again today but currently am not feeling very well. So we'll see whether that happens or not!

~Sheika's 12th Ride (movie)

So I finally got some new videos of actually riding Sheika and put them together. At the time I had ridden her almost an hour, (which is longer than I've ever ridden her) and she was pretty much done. Fortunately she still did ok when Tash came out to video a little. Silly girl was definitely getting tired of it all and was very ready to get back to the boys!

~Seek Me

I think it was just last week (or maybe two weeks ago?) when this happened. I was feeling like my cup was running out. And not in the overflowing way. Like the empty I need to be refilled kind of way. So I went for a walk so I could talk with God privately. I had a lot of questions. Any more I don't remember what they all were but I know what He answered. To the first question He gave a very distinct "Seek me." I thought "Ok that makes sense." So I asked Him another, and another, pouring my heart out to Him. Do you what He answered? Every time? Seek me. After about  4 or 5 questions with the same response you'd think I'd get the hint. (I'm a little denser than you might think.) I was just about to ask Him another when it finally struck me. You already have the answer. He's told you how many times now to seek Him! I seriously had to stop and laugh thinking how God must be feeling. I could almost imagine God sitting there with His hand under His chin. Him sighing and looking over at an angel standing by. "How many times do you think I'll have to tell her before she gets it?"
Thankfully that's just my humor! (I think!) But it definitely left me with an impression: No matter what I'm doing, or what I'm going through, seeking Him is always the answer! And I can still hear it:

Seek me