Relentless Pursuit

As many people who follow my blog know, I've been touring this year with Acquire The Fire. The theme of this year was Relentless Pursuit. When spring tour started we read a book by John Bevere (check out his Bio here John Bevere Bio ) While that one was required, I pursued further reading... and interestingly enough, John Bevere wrote a book called Relentless. It seemed all too fitting to read since it had the same title as our tour.

Relentless was a challenging book to read. It took me several months to read because I had to keep reading everything over to know that I truly understood what was being said. Not that the words were too big, or unclear, but if nothing else, one thing is for sure, Relentless will challenge the way you think and believe, and more importantly why you believe that way. John Bevere does an excellent job of backing up his statements with several scriptures. What each person gets out of this book is related to where they are at in life, but the beautiful thing is, no matter what stage of life you're in, there's something in this book for you.
If you're looking for a book that will give you a jump start to a deeper relationship with the Lord, this is it!
Check out the first chapter here. I think you'll be hooked.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Don't be a deadbeat Dad

Don't be a deadbeat Dad... why the title? Why does it sound so harsh? Let me explain.

For so long I heard people say... your view of the Lord is related to how you view your dad. For a long time I sort of thought 'whatever, maybe it's true for some people, but surly not everyone.' Recently though I have been seeing things in my dad, that for many reasons, before now I had missed. And as I notice those things in my own father, I can hear the Lord say... "Kayla, that's how I am too" My dad loves me, he takes care of me, and even goes above and beyond for my sake. How much more does my heavenly Father, who has all the resources He wants, go above and beyond for me? Daily He wants  to encounter us.

So children, mothers, wives, this isn't as much for you as it is for Dads. It's a pleading. Be the man that God wants you to be. Live a life that your children can look at you and see the positive qualities of the Lord. Live a life that draws your children to the Lord. Don't get me wrong, the Lord disciplines, so by no means am I saying to not discipline and to just spoil your children, but examine your life. Are you slow to anger? Do you love your children and show them that you love them even in the midst of discipline? Do they know that no matter what they do, you will always be waiting for them to come back to you? Do your daughters know that they can confide in you and that you are their protection until the right man comes into their lives?

Don't let the moments when they are young pass you by. It is much harder to repair a relationship than to start it off right. Am I saying it's impossible to repair? No, nothing is impossible with the Lord. What I am saying is starting off right is like starting at the top of the mountain, but repairing the relationship requires climbing the mountain first.

I leave you with this...

Ephesians 6:1-4 (amplified version)

1Children, obey your parents in the Lord [as His representatives], for this is just and right.

² Honor (esteem and value as precious) your father and your mother—this is the first commandment with a promise—

³ That all may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.

⁴ Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord.

Righteous Anger

To be truthful, I'm not sure where this blog is going to lead. I'm not sure what the content will be, I just know I have something to say regarding the way society is and is headed. Fear not, this is NOT going to be a bash Obama or a redeem Romney blog. It's not about the presidential debates or the election. It's about PEOPLE. Humans who choose to live in a certain way. It's about the destruction I see happening around me every day while SO MANY PEOPLE choose to ignore it.

right·eous

 [rahy-chuh s] 

adjective

1.

characterized by uprightness or morality: a righteous observance of the law.

2.

morally right or justifiable: righteous indignation.

3.

acting in an upright, moral way; virtuous: a righteous and godly person.

an·ger

 

[ang-ger]

noun

1.

a strong feeling of displeasure and belligerence aroused by a wrong; wrath; ire.

2.

Chiefly British Dialect . pain or smart, as of a sore.

3.

Obsolete . grief; trouble.

verb (used with object)

4.

to arouse anger or wrath in.

5.

Chiefly British Dialect . to cause to smart; inflame.

Bible Dictionary
Anger definition

the emotion of instant displeasure on account of something evil that presents itself to our view. In itself it is an original susceptibility of our nature, just as love is, and is not necessarily sinful. It may, however, become sinful when causeless, or excessive, or protracted (Matt. 5:22; Eph. 4:26; Col. 3:8). As ascribed to God, it merely denotes his displeasure with sin and with sinners (Ps. 7:11).

Why do I add those definitions you ask? Well, perhaps so I can evaluate myself, and if what I am feeling is in fact a combination of those two words "righteous anger" These words are used I think too frequently in the Christian circle. Used to excuse anger which is in fact, not a righteous anger. Why do I make such a bold statement? First let's examine righteous - uprightness or morality, morally right or justifiable, acting in an upright way. Can someone who is not living this definition in their lives - so, someone who is not living morally - be qualified to have righteous anger? Is the righteousness confined specifically to the area that is provoking the anger? Now, I'm not saying that I expect people to be perfect. That's impossible, because we are human, we will fail, we do sin. But, are you trying to live in a way that reflects righteousness, and Christ, or are you going to church on Sunday, claiming you're a Christian and living a totally different way throughout the week? On to anger - a strong feeling of displeasure (nothing wrong so far) and belligerence aroused by a wrong... lets quickly examine belligerence - Aggressive or warlike behavior. Now that might be a problem. But, is that just because this is the world's definition of anger? Well, that's why I included the bible definition of anger. (see above). So to combine righteous and anger - to me would seem to mean - a morally right and justifiable strong feeling of displeasure aroused by a wrong. 

All of that considered I shall continue with my post.
What brings me to think "righteous anger"? Well for starters, the exploration of facebook to find so many "friends" who use horrible language, live a wild lifestyle and choose to walk in sin, and occasionally, when everything is going "perfect" in their lives  be all like "Thank you Lord". Now don't get me wrong, it's great that they acknowledge the Lord, but it causes displeasure in me when there are so many people pursuing the Lord consistently, and trying to bring others to Christ through love and their Christ like lives, and people like mentioned above ruin it because non-Christians see that and think ALL Christians are FAKE LIARS.
Please, I know I've made my share of mistakes, I know I'm not perfect... but I am trying. I want the Lord to have the praise, honor, adoration, glory, and reverence He is due. I want to live a lifestyle that reflects who I am and what I claim to be - not by the world's definition, not by the church's definition, but by how the Bible commands me to live. How Christ guides me to live. 
I'm not always going to be able to say "thank you Lord" because things are going fantastic, I am going to face trials, I am going to be tempted, it IS going to be hard. That's why the Lord commands us to "take up their cross daily" (Luke 9:23) not "enjoy the rest of life it will be a breeze". Stop blaming God for putting you in the position of being pregnant out of wedlock and not knowing who the father is... YOU chose to sleep with that many guys. Stop blaming God for your divorce... did you invite Him into the marriage?  Stop blaming God that you're grounded or your parents are angry with you or don't trust you... YOU chose to go out and get drunk when you said you were going to go bowling. Am I making the point yet?
The God of the Bible, the one true God, He wants to work all things out for GOOD... but there is a requirement on our part... we have to trust Him and know that we are called according to HIS purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Now, I'm sure some people who read this will be less than pleased with what I have to say. It will cause some to be uncomfortable, or to feel conviction that they fall into this category. Some will criticize me for being so bold as to actually say something that counteracts our self-focused, self-indulging, whatever-makes-me-feel-good culture. But I dare say, there will be the few, the called, the true followers of Christ, who will rise with me, and make a change.
It's all worth it for the glory of the Lord.
Let us never loose focus to become angry out of our own gain. 



*Please know this is said out of a desire to see change and NOT to condemn. If I have said all this, and have not love for the people, I gain nothing. Please know it is love and compassion that calls for a change*

Setting up another blog

For someone who has never blogged before this year, I certainly have been doing a lot more blogging than I thought I ever would. I had to set up a second blog today, it will be specifically focused on my year on ministry team and what the Lord is doing each week. The Ministry Team Road Managers had us all set one up in hopes of it being a good place to keep supporters updated, and wanting to continue to give, as fund raising is much harder while on the road.
If you want to check it out the link is http://relentlesspursuit2012.blogspot.com/
Pre production started officially on Monday. We've been working fairly short days compared to what we will be once we are in full swing, I'm grateful for the extra down time we have right now. I lost my voice over the weekend, so I'm glad to finally have that back. I'm so excited to see what this next year has in store for me. I find out tomorrow what my role for the next year will be and I am excited yet nervous. There is a specific job that I am hoping to get, but I am praying and trusting the Lord is in control and He knows what is best for me over my own will. We will see what happens soon.
I told myself I was going to be in bed early tonight... and while as early as I hoped will not be happening, I am going to leave now and get the much needed rest that I can while I still have the opportunity to.
For everyone at home know that I miss you dearly and hopefully I can see a lot of you at the Des Moines ATF this year.

It's Been a LONG Time

Hello! Yes, I am still alive. And I am truly sorry it has been so long since my last post. Though, I am glad to say that there are several good reasons (or excuses... see them as you will) that I have not been posting; and that's what this post shall be about. ALL of the things I have been doing (in summary form of course) that have kept me from blogging.
In May - I spent a weekend hanging out with my family core, we went to a couple of different lakes... and that's a long story, but let's just say it was an adventure, and of course made memories. The next weekend (which was an extended one) was the School of Worship GI retreat. We went to a camp ground by Houston and had a great time relaxing and being refreshed in the Lord without the business of campus. Needless to say, the month of May found me in a season of enjoying the weather before it got too hot!
Now lets venture into June - the first weekend of June we had the Celebration LTE, where we were able to CELEBRATE everything we have accomplished this year as well as how much we have grown. We have somewhat of an... Olympic competition... though we have some novelty competitions like pie eating to make it a bit more fun. I worked the next couple of days, then had the joy of being able to go home for a two week vacation. While the long drive home was less that fun, I did get to break it up over a couple of days, of which I was greatful. Driving through the hottest part of the day would not have been fun with no A/C. I'm glad to say I have a wonderful dad who worked hard while I was home and I got to come back to campus with A/C fully functional. When I got back to campus the summer schedule was in full swing. That means I'm working odd hours, sometimes 6 days a week for a few hours each day, sometimes only 3 or 4 days a week with much longer days. Needless to say that keeps me busy and on my toes.
In the midst of all my work business I am learning to fight for time to develop myself outside of the classes and sessions we have. I just finished reading Lioness Arising by Lisa Bevere. It was a good book, and I would recommend it to any women looking for something to inspire you. I'm now diving into a second book and have weekly goals set for the rest of the summer, this is a new adventure, and it's proven to be a difficult one... but I know I am going to grow and for that I am excited.

Chantelle Nelson

There is a woman on campus who I would like to honor today. Her name is Chantelle Nelson. She lives in my house and is in The School of Worship program with me. Why honor her today? What is so special about this woman over anyone else? Well, there are qualities of this woman that have frequently gone overlooked, and today I would like to bring them to light. Chantelle is a woman of God who works diligently and many times works above and beyond what is required of her. She is always encouraging others and while some may say things just to encourage others, you can tell when Chantelle speaks it is always true and from her heart. She is a joy to be around. Chantelle interacts with many undergraduate interns and works to grow them and mentor them. I also have the joy of friendship with this amazing woman who has been an ear to listen and help me process and ALWAYS points me back to the Lord when going through hard times. This year I have seen Chantelle grow spiritually and learn more and more to rely on the Lord in all circumstances. Right now Chantelle is relying on the Lord to provide finances, she has worked and worked and worked to see money come in, and at every deadline the Lord has some how made a way. There is another deadline fast approaching, would you be willing to join me in honoring Chantelle? Would you be willing to give a tax deductible donation to help her stay at the Honor Academy and continue to walk in what the Lord is doing in Chantelle's live and through her life. Any amount helps, $1, $5 (one less medium drink at Starbucks this week?), $10. Whatever you have and can give I know would bless Chantelle more than words could express. Would you also join me in prayer for Chantelle, that once again the Lord would be faithful and provide what she needs to stay.
Here is the information you will need to donate to Chantelle. Remember all donations are tax deductible.

US donors can donate online at https://secure.teenmania.com/transactiontool/search/ha or by phone by calling 888-419-8336 or 1-903-324-8123. International donors may call those same numbers. If you are in Canada, you may donate online at http://teenmania.ca/index.php?target=donate and select the Honor Academy Intern option or by phone at 800-747-5949.

Name: Chantelle Nelson 

ID# 2545063

Chantelle leading worship on campus

Update on the hard decisions

In my last post I eluded to some challenging decision that I was facing. Well I'm on the other side of those decisions now so I thought I would explain more. I was going through the process of deciding about staying next year. I had two opportunities, but neither was a for sure thing. Then, I found out that I had been accepted to do both programs. I had an opportunity to stay another year in The School of Worship where I would have been touring or I could stay with the Ministry Team. I have decided to stay and do Ministry Team. Yes, it's that thing that I'm constantly talking about even though I'm not a part of it, so I suppose it's only fitting that I will be a part of it for next year. I will be touring around the country with about 30 other people and we will be responsible for setting up the Acquire the Fire events as well as making sure everything runs smoothly throughout the events.  It seems so crazy that I have been called to walk away from music and all of that, but I know that it is only for a season and  that while I won't have the constant opportunities to play that I did this year, there will hopefully still be opportunities to play sometimes.
Though this whole decision making there is one thing that has been constant. The Lord's faithfulness. There were many points in my decision where I was asking the Lord what He wanted me to do and I would just sit and be overwhelmed by His faithfulness in answering those prayers. It was even more overwhelming looking back to see how He pieced all of those things together to make it even more clear.
His revelation of His characteristics to me has been so amazing. I can't wait to see the things He will continue to reveal as I continue a Relentless Pursuit of Him over the next year.