transform the space you're in.
i saw this billboard and was immediately inspired by it.
i thought i would post it on my blog.
it reminded me of the idea of being a thermostat versus a thermometer.
we are to change the room temperature, the place we are in, the people we are surrounded by, versus being changed by the room temperature, our surroundings.
this was posted outside of my friend's sister's apartment in Chicago. my transition ground from kansas city to appleton. i was able to be in Chicago for a day and a half before coming back to WI... a well needed debriefing time.
it is different this time around here in appleton. that is all i can say. yet my Papa is constant and not changing. He has promised me i have been transformed. He told me yesterday as i looked in the mirror i hold knowledge of Him inside of me. last night i attended a phil wickham concert and then this morning i was at a catholic polka mass for father's day. in both places and in many instances throughout my day i was and am experiencing His presence. He has transformed me and He meets me no matter where i am as i choose to worship Him throughout my day. His peace and joy pour forth as i choose to worship Him transforming the space, the place i am in.

“He has ravished my heart as I have ravished His wandering in the wilderness led by Holy Spirit, holding the God man’s hand, and encouraged by my Papa.” H.J. Thompson

We were instructed to write one or two sentences incorporating all of what God has done during this five month internship. Something like this always proves to be difficult seeing as I like to put so much detail into my writing. I appreciated the challenge and even reading over this statement saturates my entire being with overwhelming thanksgiving.

I have been in the wilderness as He has been equipping me for my next season, the next part of my pilgrimage as I like to say. I have quite enjoyed eating locusts and drinking honey sort to speak if one was comparing it to John the Baptist. John the Baptist emerged from the wilderness to go preach of the kingdom to come and baptize people paving the way for Jesus. Yes, I am a forerunner. As they say at IHOP. “You are a forerunner now whether or not you want to be!” So I have this responsibility or more what I like to say a privilege to pave the way for Jesus returning and establishing His kingdom as it is in Heaven on earth.

I cannot tell you how many paradigm shifts I have had over the course of these five months. My brain is exhausted but also hungering for more… not satisfied. Even pondering and coming up with my life vision I have such a new outlook, such a deep appreciation for my purpose because ultimately I know my destiny with the Lord. I am a part of His unraveling plan. A couple of nights ago I had a beautiful time of weeping when I was awestruck with the idea of being a part of Jesus’ inheritance. Mike Bickle in His Song of Songs study notes says the first four chapters are about the Shulamite woman being focused on her inheritance and by the last half of the book she is overcome by her position to be a part of His inheritance. So as I was worshipping this thought came to mind about being His inheritance and I felt so much of His love but also a fear of the Lord. How unfathomably powerful, sovereign, and just in general how big He is. A fear of recalling and meditating that it is only by His son’s blood am I accounted as righteous. NONE of what I have done has purchased my salvation. I am freed by the truth the cross speaks and what it guarantees… grace, mercy, love, and restoration.

So this is a little flavor of what it is going on in my mind four days before the internship ends. I come back to Appleton in one week. Get ready for some light!

And here is a little poem I wrote about a girl who goes missing and lives with so much grief in her heart as she thinks she is the one to blame.

A tireless search seeking rest and peace

Thoughts angrily buzzing never to cease

She asks, had I been on a different path

Hope dissolving. As she questions His wrath

He inscribes “I am the Judge” on her heart

Proclaiming truth over her since the start

His mercy and judgment work hand in hand

He cries deeply for justice in the land

Boldly He says, “Stop. Now listen to My voice.

It is not your fault… not because of your choice

Be set free from the haunting fear and shame

Jesus has conquered. Carry no more blame.”

I will extend my justice on your captor

Peace and rest comes as she sees a door.