...I Want a Temper-Pedic Walk With God...

John 14:18- "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." There have been so many times in my life that I have not felt comforted. I felt as if I were on springs rather than a temper-pedic. It's like going in a furniture store. We try to find the softest bed so we bounce or aly on bed after bed after bed and once we find that PERFECT one that seems to snuggle us in and make us feel good, it's like none of the other beds ever mattered in the first place and we never go back to the others again because we find that place of "comfort..." Just like having and looking for a walk with God. We tend to bounce around with the world, one bed at a time. Whether it be pressure of fitting in, grief of loved ones, addictions, or whatever. We go through life knowing the bad feeling it makes us feel, yet we still go from bed to bed to bed just looking for something more. BUT, during the time of uncomforts, they always seem to lead you to that temper-pedic called Christ-pedic; which gives you the comfort you need and the satisfaction that you never have to look back at the beds before. Mark 9:23- "Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO HIM THAT BELIEVETH." God hears us when we truly have a desire to fervently call on His name. If we bounce around with the things of this world and only go to God when we NEED or WANT something, but never call on His name just to say, "Hey God, I was thinking about You today," then our hearts are not right. We have to stop LOOKING for the uncomforts of life, and start SEEING the temper-pedic's that God has in store for us. Like Luke 17:6 says, "And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea: and it should obey you." Like that old timey song says, "Faith, faith, faith just a little bit of Faith. You don't need a whole lot, just use what ya got; Faith, faith, faith, just a little bit of faith..." As long as we use ALL that we have and give God our BEST and have faith that He will comfort us in ANY situation, then hiking through this challenge called "life" will merely be just another walk in the park..

"Your Name"

I'm going to be completely real tonight. I have gone so long without having breakdowns. Whether it be from the thoughts of almost 2 years that Sara passed or the fact that my family has been broken apart shortly after...

I realize that most of my blogs are about staying strong through your trials and facing them without giving up. That is still strong in my heart. We should, but I have patiently faced my situations without letting them interfere with me spiritually or mentally. I have needed someone to vent to and that person is God. I have bawled my eyes out like a baby to Him just to let Him know my feelings on the situation, but does it ever seem as if you're talking to the wall? There are times when we need to shut up for a change and LISTEN to what God has to say. He's sitting there trying to get a word in but we come to Him day in and day out about our problems and this and that. Well, maybe it's time we let Him come to us. Take a breather for a change and let God open His heart to speak THROUGH you. Not to. When God speaks through you, your entire mindeset on situations change. For example, the thoughts and feelings you had before, will be encountered in a different positive perspective. Before I actually shut up and gave God the mic, my problems took over my life.

God is so so powerful. Indiana Bible College came out with their new CD called, "Your Name" and that song plays on repeat every day on my laptop. I sing the words over and over because they pick me up in my lowest point. It says, "Your name is Holy, Your name is Worthy, Your name is, Jesus.." It talks about how God lifts the weary, and helas the broken. When we hear about God healing and strengthening and being there for us, it's not just talk, people! He may not come when you want and he may not do what you want, but what HE wants is so much greater than anything in this world. Yes you may lose that loved one and yes your family may get broken, but that doesn't change the all powerful ever-reigning God who is there in the situation WITH you! He's not in Heaven laughing at your hurt. He is testing your faith and your ability to respond to what He HOLDS for your future. Let God be the pilot of your life...

God is forever on high. He's a Merciful Savior... Everything will be alright..

After a storm ALWAYS comes a Rainbow. Face the storm to reach the light...

...The Greatness of Our God...

Ya know, my spirit is so full of joy at this moment. Why? Because I serve such an great, amazing God.

I had the opportunity to go to Ladies Retreat in Pigeon Forge this past week and Nancy Grandquist really opened my eyes to being so THIRSTY for God that we go above and beyond our obligations and expectations.. We as people of God need to get a little salt in our life to make us thirst for God and a ministry to witness.

I as a teenager, am the next generation to save this world from this carnal generation in place. God has put you and I here for the distinct reason to stand firm on our beliefs and not be ashamed of who we are! Mark 16:15 says, "And He said unto them, go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature..." Our duty is to spread the gospel. God will never make us do it alone. He acts as our shadow walking with us and guiding us in the way we should go. As my brother Dj taught in class this morning, God has a job opening that will never be closed; never be laid off. That job opening is a metaphor for our calling. He has a calling for each and every one of us. Our job is to apply for that job and take His hand. He will never lay us off like the economy.

My heart is so burdened to save the lost. Sis. Grandquist challenged us to win at least 10 souls to God before the end of this year. I agree to take that challenge. I want God to give me eyes to see the beauty of who He is and the greatness of His works. As Hillsong sings, "No sky contains, and no doubt restrains, all You are, the greatness of our God..." Singing of His greatness and mighty power will never be enough praise to give Him. He gave His life so that we may live. To live in sin was not the plan, but because of the Garden of Eden incident, we have to endure the carnal measures of this generation. Acts 2:40 says, "And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, SAVE YOURSELVES FROM THIS UNTOWARD GENERATION..." Peter was preaching telling them to save themselves. It is a prime example of our lives. We as Apostolics or people in general need to realize that God put us here to do our job. If we mozy around with the things of this world, we will never see what God has planned for us. God is right there all we have to do is open the door...


I challenge each and every one of you to take a step back for a second and ask yourselves, what is my calling? Why did God put me here? How can I improve my walk with God in order to see with His eyes and change this untoward generation?

You're not meant to be LOST. You just need to come out of hiding in order for God to FIND you...

...Be Still and Know That He is God...

Ya know, I have been thinking. When you stop and make changes in your life even if they be small, it ends up becoming a big difference in your spiritual walk with God. I'll use myself as an example. Recently, secular music like 104.3 and 107.5 have been on my Ipod, on my radio, in my head, and everywhere. I listened to the hip-hop and pop just for the excuse that it was "for Zumba class." There are no excuses for living in sin. It's your choice.

I got a new car last week and it happens to have a CD player in it. Well, I have listened to nothing but my prayer CD's and Christian music. Ever since Revival two weeks ago, I have not listened to secualr music not once. I stand as a testimony on that because I feel a difference in my actions. Casting Crowns song, "Slow Fade" is a magnificent example. It really is a slow fade when you give yourself away. Each and every time you take a sip of the world, Satan's smile grows fonder and fonder. He won't attack your walk with God right away. He will let you play with the world until you become it. It affects your attitude, your emotions, and your actions. Since I have completely stopped listening to secualr music, I have not said any slang words that Lord knows I have had strong issues with; I have not had too much of an attitude; and praying and reading my Bible have been all I have wanted to do. My spirit is so pure because I have stopped and made time for God to say, "Hey, what do I need to change in my life?"

We all tells ourselves we want to change and we want a better life, but actions speak louder than words. In order for your life to be renewed, YOU have to yearn for it. Bro. Andrew Price preached Revival at Westside two weeks ago and he preached on the title, "Save Yourself.." It's not God's place to save you, it's yours. He gives you the opportunity to live your life according to His ways and His commandments. He won't make you do anything.

1 John 2:15-17 says, "love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.."

God will never leave us nor forsake us. So why should we leave and forsake Him? Or not even come to Him in the first place? Seek His face and know that He is God.. :)

-Thanksgiving Blog-

WOW! That is the only word I can use to describe the outpouring and moving spirit we had a Westside tonight! I’m thankful that Bro. Jimmy changed the service up a bit! We went from a little spark to a big flame! Who knew that all it took was an old timey testimonial service!?

I was jumping and shouting in my pew thinking to myself, “This is going to be one awesome service if I would just make myself get out of this pew!” It was like that was the BINGO button for God! He heard me and went, “ZING” and just let loose with His annointing! People ran the aisles that rarely EVER run, elders were leaping, and my shoe almost broke! AGAIN! But, I am so thankful to be apart of the Apostolics of Westside United Pentecostal Church! This is the beginning of a new generation to step out and be seen. All it takes is for one person to make that one small step outside of their pew to make a difference. James 4:8 says, “Draw nigh to God, and He WILL draw nigh to you…” Just let God take over! Claim the promise that He has promised to you and let the Devil know that you are not giving up! Stand your ground and stand up for what you believe. Yes, the enemy will push you down and knock you out, but we serve a God that is holding us up!

It just goes to show you that you should never give up on Him. No matter what situations and heartaches you face in your life, God will always be there! Give thanks! He has never and will NEVER leave your side!

Now that I have vented about tonight’s service, I am proud to say that Turkey Day 2010 went spectacular! We had 18 first time visitors today at Westside! God is starting to move and bless us day by day. Although the year is almost over, I believe in 2011, we will be one the biggest churches in our surrounding area! Who knows, we may convert the Baptists and Trinitarians! My God is just that awesome!

This is a short and sweet blog, but as services and events like these increase, I will DEFINITELY be blogging more in depth! Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and take the time to tell God what you are thankful for!

"We Know"

In the children's show and toys the G.I Joes, they had a war cry they would always say. It was "Knowing is half the battle." Romans 8:27-28 says, "...He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God...And WE KNOW that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.."

Whatever problem, handicap, or trial you have, WE KNOW that all things work together for good. If we live according to His will and be obedient, all things WILL work for the good. If you love God now, then serve Him now, for He is working with us for the good in our situations. All we have to do is give it all to God. For example, it's just like a recipe. Take lemons for example. Lemons are sour by themselves. They have a bad taste that when it touches your tongue your face looks like you tasted sour milk. But, if you add a little sugar, and add a little water to the lemons, it will turn into lemonade which everyone in Tennessee knows is quite heavenly. But my point being, God is stirring the pot of His master plan for each and everyone of our lives and the outcome of His recipe will be delightful.

Genesis 41:30 talks about the great famine and plenty in Egypt. God said there will be seven years of great plenty, but then to follow would be seven years of great famine. Verse 31 goes on to say that they would "forget" of the great plenty because of the famine. Trials and curve balls may hit us and we completely forget all the good we once had. As children of God we WILL go through trials and tribulations but WE KNOW that we will end up victorious. We should store up when we are all fine and dandy on cloud nine because WE KNOW that storms are coming and are coming soon. We obtain the victory beyond the walls of the church by our walk with God behind the scenes. It may come Hell and high water but we shall be overcomers.

No matter what stage we are in our lives, if we stay faithful to God, we WILL find favor. Why? Because WE KNOW. We may have nothing to offer, but if you have the Holy Ghost in your life you have enough to say, I KNOW that all things work together for good. "Knowledge is power." People may think it is evil against us, but we know what the end holds! We know that God has a bigger frame for our little picture! Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." He is the one, and the only one that can send us to Heaven or send us to Hell. Our eternity depends on our spirituality on earth.

What do you have that will either help or hinder the situation in your life? 2 Timothy 2:21-22 says, "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vesselunto honour...Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." If you want the recipe of your life to be good, you have to follow God. If you don't know what the end holds then you are not in the way of God. Joseph was so close to God, and so faithful and optimistic on what he KNEW God was going to do for him because of his faithfulness. As you see, Joseph was hated, thrown in a pit, sold into slavery, and thrown in jail. All during a young age in his life, but he stayed faithful to God's commandment and in the end he became victorious. While Joseph was working on his spirituality, God was working on Pharaoh, in who could free Joseph from bondage.

"All things work together for good to them that love God..."

I Smell Revival..

I don’t know if this is even correct grammar, but God went “BEAST MODE” at Westside tonight! Bobby pins flew, shoes were thrown off, and we had guys running the aisles like crazy! If you’re reading this and do not understand “why” we do it, then you will just have to see to believe! I feel Revival coming in Tullahoma soon! The first night of Jimmy being with us was a fiery service with a great move of God! Bro. Jaco mentioned a story. He said, there was a preacher who walked into service one night and there was only one man there. He then said, “Well, there’s not enough here for church, so you’re dismissed.” That one man stood and said, “Wait just a minute Pastor! I’m a farmer, and when I go into my barn and there’s only one cow, that doesn’t mean I just leave and don’t feed him!” So, let’s have church! Well, that couldn’t be said more clearer! After our time and sorrow of struggle at Westside, we are starting to see a breakthrough!

We are the next generation to rise up and claim the Victory! As Bro. Jaco spoke the title of his message, “The Battle is the Lord’s,” we need to shake off our trials and tribulations and give them to God! It’s time to quit letting our sin and agony play tug-of-war with our spirituality, and we need to claim the Victory in Jesus name! I’m so ready for more “Beast Mode” services at Westside UPC!

Let’s break our heels, and lose our bobby pins! They aren’t going to Heaven with us anyway! :]