tunes tuesday// hills and valleys

itssss mayyyy! :) one of my absolute favorite months! how wonderful to have it again, to walk through its days, to sing through its nights, to smile at the surprises tucked away in each of its hours!

i loved this song the moment i first watched the video and listened to it on YouTube. and in no time i could sing along so well too. i could bet Tauren Wells, Chuck Butler, Jonathan Smith wrote it just for me. its perfection. enjoy!

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hills and valleys// tauren wells

I've walked among the shadows
You wiped my tears away
And I've felt the pain of heartbreak
And I've seen the brighter days
And I've prayed prayers to heaven from my lowest place
And I have held Your blessings
God You give and take away
No matter what I have, Your grace is enough
No matter where I am, I'm standing in Your love

(chorus)
On the mountains I will bow my life to the One who set me there
In the valley I will lift my eyes to the One who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain I didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley I know I am not alone
You're God of the hills and valleys, hills and valleys
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone

I've watched my dreams get broken
In You I hope again
No matter what
I know I'm safe inside Your hands

(chorus)
On the mountains I will bow my life to the One who set me there
In the valley I will lift my eyes to the One who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain I didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley I know I am not alone
You're God of the hills and valleys, hills and valleys
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone

Father You give and take away
Every joy and every pain
Through it all You will remain over it all

On the mountains I will bow my life
In the valley I will lift my eyes

(chorus)
On the mountains I will bow my life to the One who set me there
In the valley I will lift my eyes to the One who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain I didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley I know I am not alone
You're God of the hills and valleys, hills and valleys
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone

And I will choose to say
Blessed be Your name
And I am not alone

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.// psalm 23:4

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.// psalm 40:2

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."// job:1:21

The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.// habakkuk 3:19

 i find it so comforting to know that God is always, always by my side. when i was walking through the valley of the shadow of death He was right by my side. When He lifts me up on to the peak of the mountains, He is still there with me. whether life is up or down, my Father is with me. 

in the valley He teaches me how to trust Him and seek Him. On the mountain tops, He glorifies Himself through the story He keeps writing through me, through my life.

be encouraged if you're in a valley right now. if you believe in Jesus believe that God is with you and He wants you to trust Him and pass this test. talk with Him ad listen to what He has to say about what's going on in your life. He has angels on assignment to help you.

if you don't believe in Jesus yet God sooo much wants you to call on Him and believe in His Son Jesus. and this doesn't mean everything will automatically become perfect. But He's going to help you figure things out if only you're willing to listen to Him.

if you're on a mountain top, go ahead and enjoy the victory the Lord has brought you. remember to give Him the glory and point people to Him, acknowledging that He's the one who helped you break through.

i hope you come to love this song as much as i do. :)

xoxo, delali.

music monday// touch the sky

I got to hear this song not so long ago and, yeah, you guessed right. I fell in love. I could listen to it countless times a day, milking its essence into my soul. I bet you’d love it too! :)

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touch the sky~ hillsong united

What fortune lies beyond the stars,

Those dazzling heights too vast to climb

I got so high to fall so far

but I found heaven as love swept low

my heart beating, my soul breathing

I found my life when I laid it down

Upward falling, spirit soaring

I touch the sky when my knees hit the ground

What treasure waits within your scars

This gift of freedom gold can’t buy

I bought the world and sold my heart

You traded heaven to have me again

Find me here at Your feet again

Everything I am reaching out, I surrender

Come sweep me up in Your love again

And my soul will dance on the wings of forever

“let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help is in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

“do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-20

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” john 14:2-3

It’s amazing how we have direct access to the throne of God, how we get to talk to Him and have Him speak in so many different, unique ways to our quirky hearts. Wrestling in prayer on our knees is such a powerful weapon we have against the enemy.

And oh, the eternal pleasures that await we who believe in Christ! He totally traded His comfort to come to this broken world to purchase us back to Himself with His holy, precious blood. I keep reminding myself to live each day in light of eternity, cause all of this down here is just temporal. Let’s keep surrendering our lives, our dreams and hopes to the One who knows best! Not easy, but completely worth it.

I recently got a new perspective in relation to the last verse- john 14:2-3. Someone in my Sunday bible class mentioned a testimony of a person who had one of those near death experiences and was taken by angels to see heaven and hell. In that experience, the person saw tall mansions, and little houses in heaven. The angels explained to the person how the deeds of the saints are translated into building materials of precious stones. Meaning that the rooms Jesus said He was going to prepare for us is actually based on our individual obedience…so your level of obedience determines what building the angels are commanded to build for you. Shortly put, the testimony reveals that we build by our obedience/deeds. It got me thinking of the faith without deeds is dead verse and 1 corinthians 3:11-15 which says

“for no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved- even though only as one escaping through the flames.”

Well, I don’t know for certain how true and accurate the story is but it did really get me thinking, like seriously. I had never thought of it that way before. What I do know is even if I don’t get a super glamorous mansion when I get to heaven, my soul will still soar for joy, knowing that I get to have eternal life in the presence of my Savior, which of course is wayyyyy better than eternal damnation. Good thing is, there’re no negative feelings like jealousy or the need to compare and be discontent in heaven. There’s no night or rain or suffering there. So whatever my lot in this passing life and in heaven, it is well with my soul.

xoxo, gen delali.

music monday// clear the stage

There was a time in my life, the lukewarm years, when I didn’t really understand that worshipping God is not just about singing and raising my hands to Him, that it isn’t about the worship and praise time during service. Cos, one moment I would be singing a song of praise to God and the next moment I would be singing a lustful, sensual song. I was a mess. Lukewarm.

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Oh, but thank God for His wisdom! With time Holy Spirit convicted me to the point of repentance and I decided to de-clutter my soul and really seek the face of my Father. I began to understand that my worship to God is way beyond a song. It’s about how I honor God in everything I do-how I dress, what I read, say, do, the tv series/movies I watch, what I write, the friends I consistently spend time with, the thoughts and imaginations I have…and of course the kind of songs I sing and listen to.

I began to see that worshipping God was in fact every single thing I did with my life, not just singing to Him on a sunday morning. I got real with God about needing His help to change and be better for Him, and He has radically changed me! I’m not perfect, but I’m so glad I’m not how I used to be! I intentionally carved out time to consistently spend with the Lord, and I still do. The results are real good! This entire blog is one of the fruits of my worshipful heart to the Lord, as He impressed on my heart to create it a few years ago to draw people’s heart to Him.

clear the stage~ jimmy needham

Clear the stage and set the sound and light ablaze

That’s the measure you must take to crush the idols.

Check the pews and all the decorations too

Until the congregation’s full, then have revival

Tell your friend that this is where the party ends

Until you’re broken for your sins, you can’t be social

Then seek the Lord and wait for what He has in store

And know that great is your reward so just be hopeful

Cause you can sing all you want to

Yes, you can sing all you want to

You can sing all you want to and still get it wrong

Worship is more than a song.

Take a break from all the plans that you have made

And sit at home and wait for God to whisper

Beg Him please to open up His mouth and speak

And pray for real upon your knees until they blister

Shine the light on every corner of your life

Until the pride and lust and lies are in the open

Then read the Word and put to test the things you’ve heard

Until your heart and soul are stirred and rocked and broken

We must not worship something that’s not even worth it

Clear the stage, make some space for the One who deserves it

Anything I put before my God is an idol

Anything I want with all my heart is an idol

Anything I can’t stop thinking of is an idol

Anything that I give all my love is an idol

Cause I can sing all I want to

Yes, I can sing all I want you

And we can sing all we want to

And we can sing all we want to

We can sing all we want to

And still get it wrong

Worship is more than a song.

Clear the stage and set the sound and lights ablaze

That’s the measure you must take to crush the idols.

“you shall have no other gods before Me.” exodus 20:3

“if My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 chronicles 7:14

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of My mouth. You say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” Revelations 3:15-17

“my sacrifice, o God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart You, God will not despise.” psalm 51:17

“then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will answer you. you will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12-13

“come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” james 4:8-10

“and without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

You’re probably knee-deep in some addiction that does not honor the Lord, that is consuming your heart, eating away your soul and pulling you into depression. Maybe you’re too addicted to Instagram-comparing your life constantly with others, in an unhealthy manner…maybe you’re struggling with pornography, sleeping around with someone you’re not married to, masturbation, lying, stealing, gossiping, dealing in drugs, smoking, gluttony, cutting your precious self out of low self-esteem…know that there is healing. Earnestly and sincerely pray to God to help you get out of that bondage. You might have to confide in a trusted Christian friend to offer some counsel and guidance. Reading the Word consistently might seem a daunting task for you, but as you keep praying and reading biblically based memoirs/books concerning your situation, your hunger for scripture will increase and you’ll desire and engage in the right, God-honoring habits which is good for your soul.

It’s time to break off from the stronghold of idols you’re dealing with. God yearns for all of our hearts. He went to such great lengths to purchase us back to Himself by sacrificing Jesus, His Son to take away our sins if we confess and believe in Him. it’s time to worship Jesus with all your life, let your spiritual worship penetrate into every part of your life-socially, emotionally, physically, financially, mentally. Worship is more than a song.

xoxo, gen delali.

music monday// God is good

there're seasons where i need God the most and it seems He checked out on me. i believe we've all faced these kinds of seasons at some point in life. it's like dry spell all around, and the doubts come crashing in, threatening to make you question the goodness and ever-constant presence of our really good Father. 

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i love how accurate this song captures the season or moments when unbelief creeps up on us, and how we need to continue telling our souls that despite the current circumstances, despite the unimaginable, totally unforeseen details of the hurt we face, God is good! He works ALL things for our good, not just the obviously good things, but the bad, messy, ugly, painful things too.

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God is good~ dustin kensrue

even when it seems the answer's no, the promises of God all find their yes

in Christ who worked the Father's will below, that all who run to Him would find their rest.

and even when it seems He hides His face, and darkness seems to be our only friend,

we look to Christ who suffered in our place, that one day all our suffering would end.

God is good all of the time, all of the time God is good.

God is good all of the time, all of the time God is good.

and even when it seems He pays no mind, we have a guarantee of His great love,

in Christ who came and left His crown behind, that one day we would reign with Him above.

Lord, we believe but help our unbelief.

Lord, we believe, but help our hearts to sing 

that You are good all of the time, all of the time You are good

You are good all of time, all of time You are good..

Lord, You are good.

"for we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." romans 8:28

"be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." romans 12:12

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"you intended to harm me[joseph], but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." genesis 50:20

"'...everything is possible for one who believes.' immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'i do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!' " mark 9:23-24

our Father is not going to waste whatever experience or situation you face. He will use ALL for your good + His glory. whatever you are facing, Jesus overcame it on the cross, trust Him to lead you through. i pray you get to look back and laugh in awe at how God's hand was present in your life+story, in the details, working and turning the downright messy + the good into something really beautiful. He IS good. He IS near. He IS here.

much love
xoxo, gen delali.

praying for your husband

hi guys! so, guy talk today. ;) 

i remember years back through my teen years till young adulthood, i didn't particularly pray for the guy who was going to be my hubby. i prayed about other stuff like good health, protection, wisdom, provision...but the thought of praying for the one guy who was going to be joined with me to become one flesh? psht! it escaped me. totally. looking back i wonder how i missed that important part of me.

i thought, well, whichever fine, God-fearing guy it will be... well, que sera, sera, you know. like, aahh, don't get so serious about it, it'll figure itself out. whaaat?! i know. praying for the future hubby wasn't really my priority. i forgot that the enemy is out there seeking to kill, steal and destroy. and that i needed to pray for his protection, spiritual growth, his walk with the Lord. i was like, erh, when i grow up and  meet a potential then i'll start to pray that prayer. not now. now is too young and far from the future. fail.

but thank God that mentality began to change two years ago. i realized the importance of covering my future hubby in God's love and grace. i began to hit my knee and pray for his character, and even for our unborn kids, our future family. prayer is so powerful! it changes things, ya'll. it's a game changer. it causes destinies to be changed for the better. 

"Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that i will be free from pain.' and God granted his request." 1 chronicles 4:10

"and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. with this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. ephesians 6:18

i stumbled upon this post a few months ago which talked about 31 days of praying for your husband. the prayer plan is originally by nancy leigh demoss. although it's intended for wives praying for their current husbands, i've decided to go ahead to use it in praying for my future hubby. ;) and i'll pray similar prayers for me alongside too, to be the Godly wife he needs. so august is going to be rich, full of beautiful, hard, much needed prayers!

Day 1 

Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc. (2 Peter 3:18; Prov. 4:23)

Day 2 
Pray that your husband’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord. (Prov. 3:7, 9:10; Ps. 112:1)

Day 3 
Pray that your husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin. Pray that his heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord. (Ps. 51:2-4; Micah 6:8)

Day 4
Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship—protecting and providing for you. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage. (Eph. 5:25-29; Col. 3:19)

Day 5
Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. (Prov. 20:6; Gen. 2:24)

Day 6
Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture. Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil. (Prov. 27:12; John 17:15; 1 Cor. 10:12-13)

Day 7
Pray that your husband will safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex. Pray that his heart will be pure and undivided in his commitment to you. (Prov. 6:23-24, 26; Rom. 13:14)

Day 8
Pray that your husband will work hard to provide for your family, to the best of his ability. Pray that the character qualities necessary for a successful career and ministry will be a growing part of his character—persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, positive relationships with people, determination, etc. (Rom. 12:11; 1 Cor. 15:58)

Day 9
Pray that your husband handle finances wisely, will have discernment concerning budgeting and investments, and will be a good steward of his money in regard to giving to the Lord’s work. Pray that money will not become a source of discord in your family. (Prov. 23:4-5; Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:5)

Day 10
Pray that your husband will cultivate strong integrity, and not compromise his convictions. Pray that his testimony will be genuine, that he will be honest in his business dealings, and will never do anything that he needs to hide from others. (Prov. 20:7; 1 Tim. 1:5, 3:7; Eph. 6:10-12)

Day 11
Pray that your husband will have a humble, teachable spirit and a servant’s heart before the Lord. Pray that he will listen to God and desire to do His will. (Prov. 15:33; Eph. 6:6)

Day 12
Pray that your husband will yield his sexual drive to the Lord and practice self control. Pray that your sexual intimacy together will be fresh, positive, and a reflection of selfless love. (Prov. 5:15, 18; 1 Cor. 7:3; Song of Solomon 7:10)

Day 13
Pray that your husband use practical skills to build your family and make wise decisions for your welfare. Pray that he will serve unselfishly. (Gal. 5:13; Phil. 2:3-4)

Day 14
Pray that your husband will speak words that build you and your family, and reflect a heart of love. Pray that he will not use filthy language. (Prov. 18:21; Eph. 4:29)

Day 15

Pray that your husband will choose his friends wisely. Pray that God will bring him men who will encourage his accountability before God, and will not lead him into sin. (Prov. 13:20; Prov. 27:17)

Day 16

Pray that your husband will choose healthy, God-honoring activities. Pray that he will not live in bondage to any questionable habits or hobbies, but that he will experience freedom in holiness as he yields to the Spirit’s control. (1 Cor. 6:12, 10:31; 2 Tim. 2:4)

Day 17
Pray that your husband will enjoy his manliness as he patterns his life after Christ and strong men in the faith. Pray for his physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual strength. (Eph. 3:16; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Cor. 10:11)

Day 18
Pray that your husband will have an eternal perspective—living in light of eternity. Pray that he will reject materialism and temporal values and put God first in his life. (Matt. 6:33; Deut. 6:5; Eph. 5:16; Ps. 90:12)

Day 19
Pray that your husband will be patient and a man of peace. Pray that he will not give in to anger, but will allow the Holy Spirit to control his responses. (Rom. 14:19; Ps. 34:14)

Day 20
Pray that your husband will yield his mind and thoughts to the Lord. Pray that he will not entertain immoral or impure thoughts, and that he will resist the temptation to indulge in pornography. (Prov. 27:12; 2 Cor. 10:5)

Day 21
Pray that your husband will learn how to relax in the Lord and, in his greatest times of stress, find joy and peace in his relationship with God. Pray that he will submit his schedule to the Lord. (Neh. 8:10; Prov. 17:22; Ps. 16:11)

Day 22
Pray that your husband will practice forgiveness in your relationship and with others. Pray that he will recognize any roots of bitterness, and yield any resentment and unforgiving attitudes to the Lord. (Eph. 4:32; Heb. 12:15)

Day 23
Pray that your husband will be a good father—disciplining his children wisely and loving them unconditionally. If he is not a father, pray that he will find a young man to mentor in the things of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21; 2 Tim. 2:1-2)

Day 24
Pray that your husband will have a balanced life—that he will balance work and play. Pray that he will fear God, but also gain favor with people he knows at work and church. (Luke 2:52; Prov. 13:15)

Day 25
Pray that your husband will be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will stand for the truth. Pray that he will protect you and your family from Satan’s attacks. (Ps. 31:24; Eph. 6:13; Ps. 27:14)

Day 26
Pray that your husband will discover and live his God-given purpose. Pray that he will offer all his dreams to the Lord, and pursue only those goals that will bring God glory and count for eternity. (Jer. 29:11; 1 Cor. 10:31)

Day 27
Pray that your husband will understand the importance of taking care of his body—the temple of the Holy Spirit—for the glory of God. Pray that he will practice self-control by making wise food choices, and get sufficient exercise to stay healthy. (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 6:19-20, 9:27)

Day 28
Pray that your husband will be a man of prayer. Pray that he will seek and pursue God in purposeful quiet times. (1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 22:46; James 5:16)

Day 29
Pray that your husband will surrender his time and talents to the Lord. Pray that his spiritual gifts will be manifest in his career, at church, and in your home. (Eph. 5:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:4, 7)

Day 30
Pray that your husband will serve God and others with pure motives. Pray that he will obey the Lord from his heart, and glorify Him in everything. (1 Cor. 10:13; John 7:17-18; Col. 3:23-24)

Day 31
Pray that your husband will recognize the lies of the Enemy in his life. Pray that his attitudes and actions will be guided by the truth as he brings his thoughts into captivity to the Word of God. (John 8:44; 2 Cor. 10:4-5)

whether you're single or married, i believe this is a great tool/mini devotional of a sort to pray for the man you'll be joined to in marriage or the one you're already married to.

 xoxo, delali.

have you considered praying for your future husband? will you join me to pray for our [future] hubbies?

[all photos are directly linked to their source.]

Life Lately

The past couple of weeks have been busy ones. After my last finals and final submissions, I FINALLY finished up with my undergrad studies (that’s a lot of finals I used in that sentence LOL). After that, I had to do an awful whole lot of packing to leave for home. I barely had any decent amount of sleep when I got home that night cos mom woke me up early  at dawn around 4 am to get ready for the trip to our hometown for my grandma’s funeral (bless her soul). All that while, I had to make sure I had packed up what I needed for the trip. 

                                                                            

Well, by God’s grace everything went well, the days flew by and I had to pack up and leave for the city. I got home just yesterday and as I’m talking (urm, typing) I need to pack up for a camp I’ll leave for tomorrow. I’m like this packing machine right now. Because I’ve been busy right after school, I’m not exactly feeling that freedom I should feel. I’m looking forward to when I’ll finally get some breathing space and really feel the sharp contrast between being so busy and just winding down. 

                                                                             

The camp is going to last for about a week and it's in preparation towards the summer missions trip the awesome evangelistic foundation I’m a part of is organizing. The campsite is out of town and the time we’ll spend there is going to be packed up with activities, so I’ll barely get me enough of my much needed rest and alone time. Sigh. 

On the brighter side, I’m excited though. I’m really expectant of what God will do. I’m eager to listen to His voice and direction as I spend time in His Word, praying, in fellowship in a quiet and secluded atmosphere. I’ll at least get time to do some reflections, journal, and just enjoy God in the calmness of the place, far from all the noise and clutter of life. I’m trusting God to speak to us concerning the missions in the different countries we’ll be going to. The first group will leave for the missions next week God willing after camp and the rest will join a few weeks after. I’m really trusting Him to make all things possible for us, for the people we share the Good News with to be transformed (even we the missionaries) and for souls to be won.

                                                                               

After all the cramming for my finals, through all the packing and grieving over the weekend and all the crazy in between, I believe the camp is just what I need to revive my spirit and help recharge me as I spend time alone with God and with other souls thirsting after Him. The dawn prayers we’ll have at camp remind me of Mark 1:35 “And in the morning, a great while before day, He arose and went out to a lonely place, and there He prayed.” This will be my inspiration to pray at that early hour when I’m likely to feel crazy sleepy. LOL This reminds me...

A week ago, a few days before I left school, God spoke to me through a fellow missionary. He said so many things to me that encouraged, strengthened and comforted me. I’m just so grateful that He’s concerned with my life that much. So there was this part He said that I’ll wake up in the middle of the night this week between 12 and 2am, and when I do, I shouldn’t go back to sleep but I should get up and pray. 

                                                                                 

Last evening, after being wiped out for travelling back home, I showered, snuggled with some snacks while I finished up a movie and conked out on the couch. Hours later, I happened to wake to what seriously felt like someone nudging me sideways to wake up. I opened my eyes, there was no one there and I checked the time. It was 12:50am and I immediately remembered the message God sent me last week. With groggy eyes and a tired body, I fought against the desire to sleep and paced up and down praying to God. 

About 45 minutes later in prayer I was wide awake. I read some psalms afterwards and a bit of Matthew. I thought about how God honors His Word. I was so tired and deep in sleep, I don’t know how I woke up. And as I said, I felt I was literally being shaken to wake up. It makes me wonder, really. I could have gone back to sleep right after that but somehow, I checked the time and immediately I remembered what I was supposed to do. Why God chose that time, He alone knows. 

                                                                                

I’m glad I was obedient enough to do my little part of His grand scheme that night. I thought about whether to share this or not...thinking about how off or weird it might sound, but I decided to go with it. I don’t know who might need this as an assurance or an encouragement. I need to remind myself that I can’t let what people think or say stop me from sharing what God does for me. This is not about me, it’s all about HIM. It’s all for His glory. That prayer in the night must be the very thing that I needed but didn’t know of. I’m thankful for God’s directions and guidance. It’s like the more I get serious with Him, the more He draws closer to me. I’m beginning to feel this personal connection with God grow more and more...

                                                      

Ok, before I finish up with this blog, I would like to share an amazing movement I found on Twitter. ;) It’s called Overcome The Lie. It basically encourages women to overcome the lies the devil throws in their faces and believe the truth of God’s Word concerning their lives. Their Twitter handle is @OvercometheLie. There are Twitter parties sometimes with the hash tag #overcomethelie. I join in when I can. The time difference gets in the way sometimes but when I happen to stay up pretty late, I definitely look forward to the wisdom everybody shares during that time. The next Twitter party is Monday 9pm EST. It’s very inspiring. You should join in whenever you can. :) 

                                                                              

So, I’ll talk to ya’ll later. I’ll be sure to fill you in on camp and thoughts on my mind when I’m back. ;) Keep seeking God, He’s right there to answer you and to speak to your heart. He loves you. xoxo 

Delali.