Reflections from a Piece of Clay

Isaiah 64:8 

"Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

In Francis Chan's book, Erasinghell, he makes a point to explain Isaiah 64:8. We are pieces of clay explaining to other pieces of clay what God has revealed to us. If we think about that for a second, "it shows the silliness for any of us to think we are an export on Him." Therefore, I am fully aware that my only hope is God would reveal to me what He is like and then I can just repeat those things to you - my sincerest intentions in all my writings.

"God has a calling on this family." These words have been on repeat in my mind the past few days. For years, particularly this past year, my mom used to say this to me as if to remind me and prepare me for what was to come. You see, our family has been through its share of trials already, so whenever mom would say this to me I always smiled in agreement. Of course God has a calling on this family. We have been through so much and have come through a lot-a true Cinderella Story. Therefore, my simple mind never would have thought or imagined that God had even more of a story to be told; that this "calling" mom spoke so confidentially about was only beginning...that it would include losing our parents.

Isaiah 55:8 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither my ways your ways, declares the Lord." I have come to a place where I have learned that doubting God when pain comes is only putting God's actions in submission with my reasoning. Francis Chan says it so beautifully, "have you ever considered the possibility that maybe the Creators sense of justice is actually more developed then yours, and maybe his love and mercy is perfect? Maybe you could be the one who is flawed?" I may not get this one. It may be hard to see the happy ending this time, but what is truth? Truth is, "as the heavens are higher then the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:9)." His thoughts are far greater then what my simple mind could dream up. I trust Him. In Psalm 25:9, he says that he teaches the humble his ways. Humility is key to everything, isn't it? God is unfolding his glory in all of this as I learn to humbly receive.

God has a calling...

A Sweet Savour of Christ

I love looking at the different translations of scripture. It allows me to receive a beautiful picture of God's words. I also cannot help I simply just love words. I love seeing them put together to form a sentence (crazy, I know).

In today's devotional, I came across 2 Corinthians 2:15 (see below). This is a beautiful verse that left me with one lingering thought, "God thinks MUCH of us" (His children, His creation). We are loved my the Creator of the world. Although he is full of mystery, he loves us enough to expose some of his mystery through his Word, the Bible. He wants to see us thrive in him, and through that he wants to draw us closer to him and refine us to be his masterpiece. To be a masterpiece of God...now, isn't that a thought! We are a fragrance to him. Let's be clear, the word "fragrance" is not just any old smell. Mounce's Expository Dictionary of the Old and New Testament defines it as "a pleasing aroma." We have the ability to be a pleasing aroma to our Maker. He thinks much of his children. He thinks much of YOU.


Let the sweetness of the reality of these words fall on you. Speak them out over yourself. There is nothing more precious to God then you and hearing you speak out HIS Words over your life, AND there is nothing more defeating to the enemy then having God's very words spoken out!

2 Corinthians 2:15 (NIV)
For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

2Corinthians 2:15 (KJV)
For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish.

Jesus



Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so. I remember singing this song in Sunday School growing up. I find myself repeating these lyrics more and more every day. I like to remind myself that my Creator is FOR me. "If God is for you, who can be against you?" Romans 8:31. I am so thankful I have learned to not push Him away in hard times. I am so thankful my mind is settled on Him. Every day the Lord meets me and my heart where I am. Today has been a day of many tears. I find myself thinking about my mom and desiring her more and more each moment. He knew it would be a rough day. He knew it would be one of tears, so He met me there through today's devotional reading in Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. I am just so in love with God and how he pursues me. I hope you don't mind my thirst to share it.

October 14

BE PREPARED TO SUFFER FOR ME, in My Name. All suffering has meaning in My kingdom. Pain and problems are opportunities to demonstrate your trust in Me. Bearing your circumstances bravely-even thanking Me for them-is one of the highest forms of praise. This sacrifice of thanksgiving rings golden-toned bells of Joy throughout heavenly realms. On earth also, your patient suffering sends out ripples of good tidings in ever-widening circles.

When suffering strikes, remember that I am sovereign and that I can bring good out of everything. Do not try to run from pain or hide from problems. Instead, accept adversity in My Name, offering it up to Me for My purposes. Thus, your suffering gains meaning and draws you closer to Me. Joy emerges from the ashes of adversity through your trust and thankfulness.
James 1:2-4; Psalm 107:21-22

Lord, I do not get why You allowed such pain to fall on this family, but I know You. I know how You operate and so I do not doubt. Rather, I trust that I am bringing you one of the highest forms of praise as I bear my circumstance bravely. I pray that you find favor with me all the rest of my days. I will run this race hard so that when I meet You, in heaven, I hear "well done good and faithful servant". Lord, I don't want to hear these words for my benefit but solely to honor You...I simply just want to honor You. I love you.

Death by Association

"Be on your guard against men" (Matthew 10:17) because "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14). Oh how the enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). He doesn't play. He is on a mission and it is to destroy us ~ our joy, victories, right to overcome in Christ. We have to be on our guard. The body of Christ has a right to live victorious and to speak life over death. Sometimes we live in defeat or find ourselves in pits because of people we surround ourselves with*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Where we end up in life could be because of who we choose to be around. Some of us may miss Heaven just because of association."


Lord, we praise You. We praise You for who You are and because of the power You pass on to us until we join You in Heaven. Thank you that we do not have to walk this life without the power to overcome~You give us a right to live victorious, and I pray that we choose to be victorious and free from the bondage of sin. Lord, we do not want to mess around anymore. We do not want to flirt with things you clearly have nothing to do with. We want all of You. Trusting You, resting in You because we know it is going to be worth it. You are worth it.

 Gonna Be Worth It

Memories for the Journey

With our manicured nails raised in the air, mama and I would listen to this song when we would take our morning walks at Walloon Lake ~ praising God and talking about how much we adore Him...the journey He has brought our family on. We were in such awe of His faithfulness that we paid little mind to cars driving by or to the people walking beside us (I can only imagine what they thought). You see, in our minds, it was just us and God. Two people, yes, but with one heartbeat and it was beating towards Heaven. Those conversations only prepared me for the pain of today. I may not "get God" but I KNOW my God. He is faithful.  

Beautiful by Shawn Mcdonald 

 

Our Heaven on earth - Walloon Lake

 

 

Jesus, it's all about you but you are so all about us*

The Lord led me to these verses and there is no denying. Take a breathe, get ready to receive His words, and let them fall on you as they have me.

"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them, and that I myself may be in them." Jesus speaks in John 17:24-26


Jesus just wants us. Jesus just wants our hearts. He just wants us with him, for eternity. Oh how he loves us. Reality is...Him. Glory.

A Modern Dady Esther, Mary, and Martha ~ a Kimberly Hatch

Lord have mercy on me if I make this entry about any one person, even my mom. I would like to submit to you that this entry is far beyond a person; it is the work God did in a person's life. We are not beyond being used by God. Below is an article written about my mother, Kimberly Hatch. Get lost in God as you read this. Get lost in the things he can do. Look at the legacy we leave when we but...see him. Quite frankly, I would be embarrassed to leave any other legacy.

< Pay particular attention to the metaphor she gives her small group girls at the end of the article. The metaphor is about a plane. I can assure you it is no coincidence as this metaphor she gave was days before the accident. >

Published: July 4, 2011 3:00 a.m.

‘God scooped her up’

Kimberly Hatch lived all her life in service of others 

Gina Zimmerman

Her name was Kimberly Hatch. She was the wife of Dr. Steve Hatch and a mother to four children and one son-in-law whom she dearly loved.

To hundreds of women of all ages she was affectionately known as Kim (or Mama Hatch), an honest and committed friend and spiritual mentor. Her visage was as beautiful as any top model, but it was her soul that was so entwined with her Christ that made her attractive.

Many who knew the story of Kim’s early life wondered why she wasn’t bitter. Over time she had come to embrace every circumstance as a gift. And she lived for a greater purpose.
She walked alongside and purely loved those who were broken and downtrodden. For she had her eye on the prize, and her eternal focus kept her moving forward. 

Two weeks ago, she traveled to Joplin, Mo., with a friend and three young women. They went with prayer as their only preparation. She listened to the miraculous stories from the survivors, prayed with each of them, and was visibly moved by the massive devastation. The entire event was documented on video. At night, as the women got ready for bed, she tenderly washed each of their feet. And on Wednesday, as she was driving away from the affected area, she told the group that she felt more comfortable living amidst the wasteland. She epitomized C. S. Lewis’s “a glorious ruin.”

Her life meant nothing apart from her complete contrition and surrender before God.
Kim exuded love; she remembered details about people, and she spoke the truth often with illustrations.

Last month, a girl in one of her small groups expressed how depleted she was with life. Using the story of a small plane, Kim explained that each of us has two gas tanks. When one is depleted, you simply pull the switch and gas from the other tank flows through you. When both tanks are empty, you may believe you are crashing. But you are not really crashing. God is right there scooping you up and embracing you with his strong arms and bringing you closer to him.

The collage-age girl wrote down every word that evening. Two nights after the accident, she shared with her small group that she believed Kim wasn’t really crashing. “God just reached down and scooped her up.”

A modern day Mary, Martha, and Esther

Waiting on God to Unfold ~

Topsail Island, NC Summer 1010

Above is a picture of my sweet family. Shown (left to right) is Kimberly Hatch, my mom; Maria Hatch-Bowersock, myself; Grandma Anna; my 98 year old Great Grandma, Josephine Russo; my cousin, Rachel; my brother, Austin Thomas; my sister, Brittnee; my youngest (yet tallest) brother, Austin James; and my daddy, Stephen Hatch (the kindest, sweetest doctor and dad).

Some of my favorite memories with my family are flying up to our lake house in Northern Michigan. My dad is a pilot and owns a small airport in our hometown. My brother, Austin James and I are the most fond of flying with our dad. It is a small little plane, which is not as enjoyable for my sister, brother, and mom. Mom tends to get sick so she rather drive, but my dad's motto is "why drive when you can fly". :) 

On June 24th my brother, Austin James, mom, dad, and our two doggies (shown below) all flew up to the lake house for a weekend getaway. I opted not to join because that Monday I was driving back up with mom and Great Grandma for the week of the 4th of July. Mom had called me that Friday to talk because she had just got back from serving in to Joplin, MO with some of the small group girls she leads. I remember our conversation very clearly as we were planning for the week ahead at the lake. We talked about working on the flower garden and decorating for the 4th of July. Mom is my dearest, deepest, and closest friend so spending time together is always so enjoyable. We are constantly talking, laughing, and hugging. 

Before they took off for their weekend getaway, mom sent us this text: "Love to all as we are taking off to the lake. Will be thinking of you. ox". I quickly and jokingly replied back, "stop leaving us!" I knew I would get my week with her starting that coming Monday so I wasn't too concerned about them leaving for a short weekend. 

That evening my husband and I had a romantic evening planned. I was so distracted by cleaning the house that I didn't realize it had been hours since I have heard from my mom or dad, which is not normal. At 11:30PM I received a call from my Papa, which left me deeply concerned. I had missed the call but received the voicemail that asked me to call him immediately. My Papa was in Spain on his 50th wedding anniversary. For him to be calling me in the middle of the night was not only unusual but horrifying. As I went to call him back, my phone went dead. The five minutes it took to charge my phone seemed like five hours. I started pacing the room as I tried to reach him. I knew, I just knew but I couldn't believe it until I heard it. I didn't get a hold of him the first few times calling, so I started screaming and crying as I became frustrated and scared. I was shaking so heavily that I thought I would collapse. "Lord why, not this, not this!" I finally reached Papa..."Maria, there has been a plane crash. Your mother and father are dead". I started wailing, "Papa no! No!" All I remember is him telling me to be strong and to go over to the house and tell my siblings. I hung up the phone and fell to the floor, screaming, and crying. Jason walked through the door a few minutes after. He heard me and ran into the back room. As I sat on my floor limp all I could get out was, "My parents are dead". We both sat there for as long as I let him hold me, crying and weeping. "How can this be" is all we could get out of our mouths. 

We calmed ourselves down as much as we could and drove over to my parents house where I found my sister. I saw my younger brother's (Austin James) car in the driveway and asked Jason to go in the house, find him, and bring him outside where he would meet my sister and I. We had to call Austin Thomas home as he was at a friends. Jason never did find Austin James. We figured he was at a friends so we called and left him a message. After I gave Brittnee and Austin Thomas the news, three men pulled up and started walking up the driveway, who turned out to be close friends of Dads. They hugged us immediately and just let us cry. I told them we can't find Austin James to give him the news. They looks at me a little stunned. "Maria, Austin was on the plane with your parents. He is in critical condition. We are waiting to hear if he is going to make it through the night." At that point, I walked over to the grass and about lost it. "How much more, Lord! Our family is gone!" 

As I gathered myself together, I went into the house to find it empty, which you would think is what I expected; however, we have two dogs that are loud and do not tolerate people entering their home. I just wanted to collapse. I remember looking at Brittnee, my sister, and asking, "the dogs were on the plane, weren't they?" She cried and shook her head yes. My "how much more, Lord" turned into "are you done, yet!". Lord have mercy on my soul as I write this. 

On June 25th, 3:30AM what is left of our family and some of our close friends  stood in the kitchen, looking around the house and envisioning where mom and dad used to be smiling and laughing. We just look at each other in disbelief. The worst hours of my life ~ a nightmare. 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* A Glimmer of Hope

As I said, we have two dogs. One was a 10 year old sheltie named Ali and the other is a rather large goldendoodle/laberdoodle named Braidy. Two days after the accident my sister couldn't stop thinking about the dogs. No one mentioned if the dogs were okay. I told her they were gone, but she couldn't accept that because she didn't hear it from the people at the site. Without any of us knowing, she called 911 and inquired about the dogs in the plane accident. They were able to confirm the death of the sheltie but never found a goldendoodle. When she told me this, we were both in shock because he is a big dog and you can't miss him. We all kinda laughed and joked, "wouldn't it be like Braidy to survive a plane crash?!" Well friends, he did. After days of looking for him, some of our dear friends who live in Petoskey were able to locate him (thank you microchips!) Braidy dog has been on the news and is now known at the miracle dog not just because he survived a plane crash but because he has NO injuries (interior or exterior). >FMI www.indianasnewscenter.com/home/Hatch-Family-Dog-Survives-Plane-Crash-124606364.html

A perfect stranger told my grandpa, as he shared the survival of Briady, "you don't understand...if this dog survived this means your grandson will live." I shared the same thoughts with this perfect stranger. I am confident in what God is going to do in and through that boys life. He is currently making huge progress and getting a lot of care at an amazing hospital. (FMI www.caringbridge.org/visit/austinhatch) 

Braidy and Austin James up at the Lake House 2010 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Time will heal" ~ I would like to say this is such a false statement. Time, in this situation, only makes it harder. I am expecting my first child and every day I want my parents with me on this journey. I don't ever see time healing, nor do I want to heal. However, I know and have to believe God will unfold this nightmare into something beautiful. 

I cried out to God last week, 'Lord, I don't want to be a part of an event that will impact lives for a season. I don't want to be the family that people look at and say what an example and strong family ~ look at all they have been through yet no lives are changed. I want this to wreck your kingdom or I want NO part of this. Take me home.' He hasn't taken me home, so I trust he has plans that will be unfolded. It is no coincidence the Lord encouraged me to start this blog a while back and title it Beauty from Ashes. He has brought so much beauty from so many ashes with this family ~ I don't intend him to stop now.

We need prayer warriors for the rest of our lives. As you read this story, please take it upon yourself to pray for this family as we embark on a life that we never anticipated, pain that we were so unprepared for. Thank you, thank you for your prayers.

Braidy

Ali Girl

This Is My Story, This Is My Song

Psalm 40: 2

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock

and gave me a firm place to stand.

(emphasis made)

Third Day~Blessed Assurance 

Furious

I am just down right furious at the lie the enemy feeds us that we are of no use to fulfilling God's kingdom. As if we have committed the ultimate sin and are now worthless. It gets so nasty that we end up disqualifying ourselves from God's plan <without the assistance of the enemy>. I am by no means above this wicked scheme. In fact, I constantly have to feed myself truth and force myself to believe I am more than...(insert bondage here). Speak it until you believe it!


An exert from my most recent daily devotional:

How wonderful that we serve a God who formed us and therefore understands our frailty and susceptibility yet has grace-filled plans for us. ~Patsy Clairmont

How often do we go around disqualifying ourselves from God's plans for our lives? We can accept that he will forgive us, but we cannot imagine that he can still use us for his purposes and glory. That's a lie, dear sister. Not only does he forgive-he knows our weakness and still have glorious, God-sized plans for our lives. Don't let your past dictate your future. 


We do not need to keep going back to our past. If our past is destroying us, stay away! Protect your relationship with God because that's your safety. Be willing to let go of friendships that are unsafe, places that tempt you to compromise, and hobbies that you have no business partaking in. STAY AWAY.

Romans 12:9-21

Inspired

My husband and I just got back from a trip to Cabo. It was such a beautiful and sweet time together. The air was warm, the colors were vibrant, and peace was no stranger to us. On our last two days, we experienced how unruly the waves can be in Cabo. They were so powerful that windows shook at our resort after a wave devoured the shore. Honestly friends, it was unreal. I could have stared at those waves all day: dreaming, imagining, wandering off into my own world. In fact, as we looked through the pictures we took of the waves, I find myself doing just that still! I also had the sweet privileged to read the book of Psalms while on vacation. God is Creator. How amazing?!

PSALM 24~

The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob (Selah). Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, the King of glory? The LORD Almighty - He is the King of Glory.  

*Redeemed, Restored, Renewed...not a ounce of pride left*

Allowing Myself to be Transparent

"What a beautiful name. I love to watch how it falls off the lips of those who love Him. I shudder as it falls off the lips of those who don't. Jesus. It has been the most important and most consistent word in my life. Dearer today than yesterday. Inexpressibly precious to me personally, so I am at a loss to comprehend what the name means universally." Beth Moore

I am deeply reminded of Jesus today. No, not just of the name but the reality of who He is. My heart is beating faster at the thought of Him. It's as if this world is growing strangely dim, and I can't see anything but Him. I can't see my mistakes, hurt, pain, laughter caused by anything or anyone a part from Him. This is such an odd and unfamiliar place. I want to go deeper with El Roi -the God who sees-"spanning the universe in panoramic view, every galaxy at His gaze", and yet it's me His eyes land on. The thing is, I don't want to just go deep, I don't just want to be made new, I want the ultimate level of intimacy. I want what no one who has walked this earth has ever experienced with Him ... even the disciples. Sounds crazy and slightly ridiculous but doesn't He want us to go crazy with Him? How badly does He want us to desire Him in this way?! Don't we long to be desired this way by someone we love and care about? There is a reason we desire this, because we are children of God and we are like our Father. Jesus came with a purpose, and He did not allow himself to get sidetracked from that purpose. He came for us, He came to die and save us. Therefore, if anything in this world won't give me more of Jesus, I really don't see a reason to partake. If I lose this world, then so be it because, like Jesus, I have a purpose and it's HIM. I wonder if we make too much gray out of this world and complicate God because God is not a God of confusion. He just wants our heart. *1 Corinthians 14:33*


This is what God is about. Crazy about Him.
Beautiful by Shawn McDonald

GOD Changes Lives

I am urged to preface this entry with saying that I am the worst of sinners. I have experienced a life of hell (anything a apart from God) and desire nothing more then to speak of the goodness of GOD. I have wasted so much of my life being lukewarm. The Lord cannot tolerate a person proclaiming Christ and living in a secret life of sin and he did not tolerate me. My desire and heart is nothing but a sincere and genuine love for God and his creation. I can't help but want to share what I have learned about God through writing. Use me how you will, Lord. May you experience nothing but a humble heart and God's love when reading any of these posts.

I wonder if we have any idea how crazy God is?! If you want to see a rule breaker, look up. :) Our pastor showed this video to our church body on Sunday. I am deeply reminded that God IS still the same God as the Old and New Testament ... GLORY! Oh how easily I have sold him short. Full surrender = a new life, new name, and new life purpose. Let go of your past (past hangouts, desires, relationships, friendships-anything that causes you to separate from the holiness of God) and watch God rebuild and renew. I can't get enough of that word, renew! You think Job had it good in the blessings he received after the "storm"... just wait until God gets done with you if you but remain faithful and obedient to him. Friend, give God all of your heart and all of your desires and be satisfied. He changes lives. You are never too far gone. I promise and so does God. Let's stop getting wrapped up in all our righteous acts and just give God our heart. All righteous acts are like filthy rags to God anyways ... (Isaiah 64:6).

Video:
I Am Second

Crazy about Truth

I crave God's word. I crave to have more and more of Jesus. I am so deeply in love with our Savior. For someone to die for my wretched sin because of love for me blows my mind. I have nothing to give but the rest of my days. I want to go to heaven tired and exhausted; bruised and beaten for the name of Jesus. I am the worst of sinners. If He can give me a new name, He can give you a new name ... LIVE.

Recently, I have developed an infatuation with truth. I love when truth is told in completeness/fullness, which is why I am addicted to God's Word - Complete Truth in perfect fullness. 1 Peter 4 demonstrates the truth of what God so deeply desires and expects from followers of Christ. I am so grateful for such evident truth. May His words fall on you in perfect peace. He loves you deeply and wants nothing more than your heart.

1 Peter 4
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. 


The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and power for ever and ever. Amen. 


If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

"What If"

God is "wrecking" me, and a part of that process is opening my eyes to HIS truth. There are many things God is teaching me through this process, but there is one illuminating theme: Full Surrender. What if I have created my own God? What if I wasn't fully surrendered to the God of the universe; rather bowing my knees to the world?

Yes, God is a God of love and forgiveness but is he not also Judge? May I submit that forgetting he is Judge is doing him no harm but us. Do we not ultimately answer to Him? God is holy. Holy means set a part from sin. Therefore, how can I say I am a follower of God and yet (knowingly) go to places that were built for sin? The truth is, I can't.

If I had a theme for the rest of my life, the video below would be it. Dear ones, what if we are just living the "Christian twist of the American Dream" (David Platt).



"But What if You're Wrong"

Her Unfinished Story

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRltqI_8S3Q

This is my story. This is the power of our God. May I never forget a life a part from my Lord again. Rather, may I take my experience and use it for His glory. May Jesus wreck you as He wrecked me. Bless you.

Name Calling by Beth Moore ~

My name is Had. You may know me, but you may not know my new name. You may have no idea what I've been through because I do my best to look the same. I am scared to death of you. I used to be just like you. I once held my head up high without propping it on my hymnal. 

I was well respected back then, and I respected myself. I was wholeheartedly devoted to God, and if the truth be known, somewhere deep inside I was sometimes the slightest bit proud of my devotion. Then I'd repent ... because I knew that I was wrong. I didn't want to be wrong. Not ever. 

People looked up to me. And life looked good from up there. I felt good about who I was. That was before I was Had. Strangely, I no longer remember my old name. I just remember I liked it. I liked who I was. I wish I could go back. I wish I'd just wake up. But I fear I'm wide awake. I have had a nightmare. And the nightmare was me. Had.

If I could really talk to you and you could really listen, I'd tell you I have not idea how all this happened. Honestly, I was just like you. I didn't plan to be Had. One day I hadn't, then the next day I had. 

Oh, I know now where I went wrong. I have rewound the nightmare a thousand times, stopping it right at the point I departed the trail of good sense. The way ahead didn't look wrong. It just looked different. Strange, he didn't look like the devil in the original scene. But every time I replayed it, he dropped another piece of his masquerade. When he finally took off his mask, he was laughing at me. Nothing seems funny anymore. I will never laugh again as long as he is laughing. 

If only I could go back. I would see it this time! I would walk around the trap camouflaged by the brush, and I would not be Had. I would be Proud. Was that my old name? I can't even remember who I was anymore. I thought I was Good. Not Proud. But I don't know anymore. 

Would you believe I never heard the trap shut? Too many voices were shouting in my head. I just knew I got stuck somewhere unfamiliar, and soon I didn't like the scenery anymore. I wanted to go home.   My ankle didn't even hurt at first. Not until the infection set in. Then I thought I would die.

I lay like a whimpering doe while the wolf howled in the darkness. I got scared. I pulled the brush over me and hid. Then I felt like I couldn't breathe. I had to get out of there or I was sure it would kill me. I didn't belong there. I refused to die there. 

I pulled and pulled the trap, but the foothold wouldn't budge. The  blood gushed. I had no way out. I screamed for God. I told Him where I was and the shape I was in. He came for me. 

The infection is gone. He put something on it and cleaned it up instantly. As He inspected my shattered ankle, I kept waiting for Him to say, "You deserve this, you know. You've been Had." Because I did and I know and I have. He hasn't said it yet. I don't know whether He will or not. I don't know how much I trust Him yet. I've never known Him from this side. My leg still hurts. God says it will heal with time. But I fear I will always walk with a limp. 

You see, I wrestled with the devil and he gave me a new name. Had. 


I may walk with a limp, but I rather walk with a limp alongside God then indulge in the world a part from God. My story doesn't end here. Rather, it ends here ....(by Beth Moore)

I tricked you into thinking 

I would never be all right.

That's what I thought too.

  I lied.

My God thought differently

And I've decided to believe Him

  Instead of you.

   My enemy, 

    You've been Had.

Micah 7:8 *~* Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.

This is a story of beauty for ashes where God (and God alone) can be the author.