Accountability

Every morning at liberty as a student were required to read a chart that is placed on the fridge

by our Ra's.On the chart you will find a list of assigned cleanliness duties such as cleaning the bathroom,kitchen,and living room floors,etc.During our chapel service on campus our Ra's will go from room to room to check if you fully completed the task that's listed.

Now imagine if we did the same in our personal lives where people are aware of our goals in life.Where we had someone holding us accountable on following through on what we know Gods assigned us to do.

God placed someone like that in my life two summers ago.I was so deeply involved in ministry working with kids,college students,and a worship team.It wasn't until spending time in constant conversation with her that I noticed anytime she asked me how I'm doing? my response was related to what I’m doing in ministry that week.

If I asked for a prayer request it would be about someone I knew in ministry.My Identity was wrapped around my title in ministry.It was as if I placed my whole life on hold and put everyone elses needs ahead of mine.As a friend she said to me its great that you love helping others but you shouldn't be carrying there burdens.I want to know hows Mimi doing?.She began to have me reflect on my own personal goals or aspirations after graduation.

How we met was through both deciding to dedicate a summer in ministry as interns in our church.We found ourselves becoming radical evangelists in the streets and local malls.Around the end of the summer we felt provoked to drop everything and do full time ministry.Of course discussing it made us realize the idea of forfeiting our college education was a bit drastic.That if we truly wanted to be equipped for ministry or any career we should take the time to finish off what we started.

Now that our time in college is coming to an end.I'm glad she was there to encourage me during my overwhelming moments of stress,fear,insecurities,and anxieties.Although were miles away we still keep in touch with each other.

As shocking as it is were constantly experiencing the same emotions pretty much around the same time.In our devotionals together were able to build each other up.If I find myself second guessing who I am in Christ shes the kind of friend who will remind me of the abilities Gods given me.I'm excited that throughout this whole journey of being a student in college I was able to vent,cry,and be completely transparent on my perspective of classes,relationships,and daily life in general.

Not Just a Driver

There's an older man named Rick who drives around the campus shuttle everyday throughout the evening hours at Liberty.The moment you walk on the bus even if you don’t acknowledge him he greets you with the warmest smile as if your family.Then as you sit down whether you pay attention to him or not he goes on to say how honored he is to being drive the best students around.

He will utter the words even if no one else says their proud of you I am with such sincerity.With excitement he will tell you this isn't just a job for me its a ministry I have a chance to love and encourage you all during your longest tiring days at the end of the night.In amusement he will take selfies with students and tell them to follow him on twitter.

If you think about it whatever we are planning to pursue as a career if were open to it God is able to use it as an opportunity to minister to people in the environment only you can reach based on your position.

Rick could easily just see this as a gain to make money hauling students back and forth on a campus.Yet he does so much more hes allowed God to use him wheres hes been placed. Doesn't matter if your a clerk,retail associate,soccer mom,personal trainer,car salesmen,Realtor.

Reach out to the students,parents,customer,and clients you come across to and show the same love Christ has shown you.Anywhere God puts you do everything you can to uplift those around you with the gifting you have.If you find yourself think of the story of Paul and Silas how they chose to praise God even in their unpleasant conditions.When they decided to praise God it didn't just set them free but also the heart of the prisoner who was troubled in their heart wondering what to believe.

Acts 16 verse 25-32 

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.

The Fear Of Lacking

In these past few weeks at liberty I've been taking into account the expenses worrying about how Ill be covering certain costs for the rest of the semester.I started getting tighter with money as weeks progressed.Not giving the opportunity to truly fellowship with the ladies in my quad because I thought I don't have the money to spend it on outings.

Yet I forgot the provisional breakthrough I experienced this year.If there's a grey area of my life I've constantly have a fear of is not having enough financially.Almost for any decision the first thought was How much?That prevented me from enjoy many blessings.It was also a blockage that keep me from truly trusting God to be a faithful provider.

One night as I prayed with my Uchurch family after a Summer Bonfire I brought up these feelings of mistrust and they shared this verse with me "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?-Matthew 6:26 This brought me to the perspective that God cares about me more than I think he does.When I released that worry to him God came through providing all the money necessary for housing,books,and tuition at Liberty.

This week I was taken right back to that moment.A roommate of mine wrote a thoughtful note in my Bible that said Rest in God.To her it seemed minor but it spoke to me to rest in knowing that God is more than able to cover all of my needs if not more.I ended up going to the bookstore that same day to buy Cards with words of encouragement writing a personal note to all of my nine roommates.

This same week as I was in the computer lab printing out a paper.There was an older man working as a Janitor who looked exhausted from working.On my way out there's a vending machine something was prompting me to buy him a bottle of water.Just as I got the thought well God I'm not working and I'm not one that's well off financially so I cant.Immediately I felt God say look around you Mimi look at where I've placed you.If I provided for you to get here I will continue to do so while your here.

A psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?I realized its pointless to tremble in fear over having no money.

I encourage you even if your a college student believe God for abundance not just for yourself but so that your able to bless others.To show how Christ can divinely interfere in our finances and leave us without lacking in anything.

Hope Arise..

This Past Friday a thought I had was you know what God this week marks a milestone of being at Liberty for a Month.Time for me to have an exciting time in the area for once.A Quad mate of mine invites me to checkout the downtown area for the first time.I thought wow it would be nice to tour the sites in the Lynchburg Area.

When the festival was over as we were walking back to the parking lot I asked myself this question I wonder what it would be like to reach out to this community? Out of nowhere the gal giving me a ride back home says to me I'm involved with an organization on campus that visits the children that live in a low income neighborhoods on Saturdays.

These children mostly have parents that are convicted felons.We visit them regularly to love on them as a community.I told her that sounds amazing hopefully I'm able to wake up in the morning cause I usually sleep in.

Don't ask me how it happened but I woke up with a text that said she was leaving in thirty minutes. I got ready,ate breakfast,and even had time to pack up nail polishes,nail polish remover,and cotton balls.These girls didn't know me at all but were immediately attached to the hip to me they were excited to meet a liberty student.

One of the girls shared how its her dream to go here for college when she gets older.As we were sitting down they all begged to do my nails and makeup. She started sharing with me how she would like to be a singer when she grows up and I told her cool I sing too.The girl next to her said oh really? Let me hear you sing.

She stared at me anxiously waiting for a note to come out.I told her okay what do you want me to sing honey? her reply anything.So I sang the song Hopes Anthem by Bethel Music which without even realizing it I was ministering hope to these girls.They all clapped and cheered with excitement that they had convinced me to sing telling me I had a beautiful angelic voice.

When I left back to my dorm I ended up crying out to God asking him to please be with these girls.Don't ever make me lose a burdened heart for the lost,hopeless or the broken.Forgive me for just thinking of ways of How I can have a good time on weekends and edify myself.

My hope is these young girls wont ever lose hope or sight of the endless possibilities that God has set for them.That success wont just be the only objective but the desire for a fulfilling life in Christ.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.Proverbs 13:12

How Did I Get Here?

Where Can I go from your spirit? or Where Shall I flee from your presence?-Psalm 139:7 These exacts same words from the psalmist David are what I was able to relate to in these last couple of days.Leaving behind a church family that I was close to going miles away from the love,encouragement,and support I’m accustomed to really hit me hard last week at Liberty.Experiencing sickness,tiredness,and disappointment with not finding a Church home similar to Grace Covenant after browsing around.All of these feelings had me irritated and annoyed so I ended up withdrawing myself from spending time with new acquaintances.

This year I had made a declaration that no matter where God took me or how things ended up through my whole transition process my Lips would glorify you.Unfortunately I ended up complaining over minor issues like a class being too long,snapping at those around me,and no amount of joy was breathing out of me.

That began to alarm me someone known for their ongoing joy,smile,and laughter vanished.Going from singing songs of praise to speaking words of discontentment.Although I’m in a christian college its easy to get comfortable and casual with worship or prayer because its routine .Monday morning was a moment when something really shook me.As I was getting ready for class I sang the song by Bethel your praise will forever be on my lips.I realized Lord wow where did that Mindset Go? that focus has somehow left my heart.As I sang I ended up on my knees asking for forgiveness for allowing the pointless nonsense disturb me and interrupt Gods peace.

God reminded me that his presence is everywhere I go whether I'm in Northern VA,Canada,California,Chicago,Or lynch burg Hes with me.His presence could never depart from me but if I'm not careful and consistently seeking him everyday I can fall into the danger of wandering away.I shouldn't have been surprised that the words of my mouth weren't edifying to those around me.Scripture says The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.Gods Love cant flow in abundance if I'm not abiding in his presence.As a believer if we aren't aren't constantly seeking alone time with God will be dry,burned out,and completely out of it.

Waiting...

Waiting...we're all in a period of our lives where were waiting for something.Whether its counting down the days until graduation,finding a Job,or a new relationship with a significant other.The process of waiting is an emotional roller coaster one day were shouting with excitement thinking  what a thrilling ride.Other moments were shouting with fear for the uncertainty to end so that anticipation doesn't exist anymore.

Yesterday morning as I found myself worried over the unknown I thought what if instead of sitting her in panic why don't I just spend some alone time with God.Immediately a Verse came to mind I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. (Psalm 34:4-7 NIV).Meaning as I'm seeking his presence he will remove any cynical thought.He will set me free from any fears,anxiety,or stress that cause me to bundle up my faith and hide in anguish.

Gods called us to live a life of victory and not defeat all we have to do is walk in it with confidence and not by how our situation appears.Everything I mentioned earlier may seem out of reach right now but I know one day God will fulfill it all.During my time of waiting ill allow God to increase my faith and patience.Knowing that nothing I could come up with on my own could ever compare to his great and marvelous plans.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17 NIV)

Gods voice or mine?

Last year over the summer I discovered through a friend of mine that my name Mimi means ears in Japanese.Yet ironically I have what you call selective hearing I take bits and pieces of a conversation and come up with my own conclusion.

Isn't that the same mistake we make with God as well we don't take time to really hear from him so we immediately commit irrational decisions.We summarize what we think the Lord wants for us.Maybe there's something you've been rushing for to happen whether its relationships,a job,or a transfer school you have to choose.Through all the noise of traffic on the roads,media,and friends on campus your ability to listen becomes tuned out from distractions.Isn't it possible that we mislead ourselves to a place God didn't plan for us to be in all because we didn't take the time to really listen in.As some of you may remember there are some radios that you constantly turn the knob until a station is heard clearly

frustration for not receiving what we want is a feeling we start to grasp.Be encouraged that Our blessings maybe delayed but not denied.What he has promised The Lord will fulfill.

I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guard post. There I will wait to see what the lord says and how he will answer my complaint. Then the lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. (Habakkuk 2:1-3 NLT)

Who's your company?...

In America I've had one active biological family member.Which as a young child made me complacent with having any company.I was in a vulnerable state where any friendship was fine even if it wasn't edifying.Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV).We begin to rectify the actions of our unhealthy friendships what seems okay is actually unjustified.

.Surrounding myself around the wrong people was blinding the direction I should have being going in which was pursuing righteousness..Anxious to just have people around me so I wouldn't feel lonely.The reality is no matter how increasingly great the number of acquaintances around me grew I still felt alone.Desperation to cover up the emptiness of not experiencing a sense of family would cause me to cling on to the wrong people.Moving from city to city,church to church,school to school the instability of not staying in one place caused confusion in understanding who I was in personality and character.Morphing myself in any setting to assure my acceptance.My pastor has a saying that when you find your people you find your purpose.

Finally it all clicked when I gathered around those chasing after the same purpose my mindset expanded that elevated the faith I had on the inside that was ready to burst out.After years I've searching I have found a spiritual family that has called me up to leadership,prayed over me during difficult moments,challenged my faith,uplifted me,and have celebrated all my victories with me.

Thirst

Lately Ive oddly been having an unexplainable thirst for water around 4am every morning.Its not the kind I can ignore because its so dry and It disturbs my sleep. Finally when I've tossed,turned,and even tried ignoring it  with an ounce of energy I pull out from bed to grab a cup and drink water.Then I started think what if we sought The Lord with that same desperation where you refuse to feel dry and empty.

God desires to spend time with us he will do certain things to get our attention.Like my thirst he will persistently be there whether we decide to acknowledge him or not.Although I pretended as if the thirst would go away it stuck around.We may think that when we've done wrong God is no where near but he's really right beside us just waiting for us to come to him.When we commune with he brings an indescribable peace that others just wont understand that's able to refresh us.(He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:2, 3.Lets thirst for his  righteousness with persistency.

Seek his presence in a relentless manner to the point where your heart can bear a moment without him.That even when you're exhausted at your wits end youll push through because there's no place that you'd rather be than with him.Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.Psalm 84:10 NIV)

No more chains..

Just last week after three years of a rigorous process of getting extractions done,enduring headaches,and having food constantly stuck in my teeth due to braces.I rejoiced and celebrated that through it all it was worth it when I saw my new smile.Then I was given the news that although my teeth were now straight in place I would have to wear my retainer for a while to make sure that they don't go back to being crooked again.

Our relationship with Christ is the same way before we come to Him our lives are uneasy,scattered,or like my teeth in need of fixing desperately.I knew that accepting the procedure of taking on braces would hurt but would reap benefits in the end.

Well when we first come to God the thought of opening up and revealing the wounds in our hearts sounds painful because it means exposing grey areas that we've kept hidden for awhile.Yet it's marvelous when we allow God to have his way in us and experience transformation.

But it doesn't end there once we've taken off the bondage of regret,pain,heartache,sin and are set free.Just like I have to daily wear my retainer to keep my teeth intact.We have to retain a daily time of communing with God in prayer,in his word,and in fellowship with other believers that will hold you to a standard so that you keep your relationship with Christ intact.

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:34-36 NIV)

Let him be the gentlemen

The other day I was watching very appalling news coverage on Tv of a story that reminded me of how our society has flipped the scripts.A woman had decided that she would buy her boyfriend tickets to his favorite basketball game,a ring,and then at halftime propose to him.A few years ago I would have thought wow how sweet she's so in love she couldn't wait for him to propose.When in reality he's suppose to be the gentlemen that goes out of his way to express how much he loves her. 

I didn't know this before since Ive  lived in a household my whole life without any men around.So the only type of behavior I knew of as a child was the one I would see in television,hear in radio,and read in magazines.The majority of the stories didn't really paint a pretty picture of how men should treat women.I honestly believed that its okay for women to tolerate anything.

Wasn't until last year that I met Godly men who respected me,looked out for me,and even bought me things without asking for anything in return.They would go out of their way to give me ride a home even if it were miles from where they live. These men reminded me that if there's something heavy around I shouldn't even have to lift a finger they'll carry it for me.I also won't ever hear them speak vulgar offensive language about women around me.If they were to see me in a gloomy state they would say something humorous that would uplift me.Women know your worth don't ever settle for someone thats just a nice guy with good looks.The word gentlemen says it clearly men are suppose to treat you with the uttermost gentle care. 

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. (1 Peter 3:7 NIV)

Power of words

The words sticks and stones may break my bones but words sill never hurt me is a false saying.Words have a lasting effect.A physical impact can easily be treated with medicine an emotional one requires a longer process of healing. Whether it was peers,educators,or supposed friends they all were immediate to speak words of inferiority over my life.They trashed my identity,placed me in insolation,and caused me to hide my true self.

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. (Proverbs 18:21 NLT)

For a time I lost my cheerful personality and It almost seemed like I would never regain back my joy. I would hear the verse Rejoice in the lord always but I just couldn't get myself to do so.It felt as though a dark cloud had appeared over me and everything looked dim and gray.I couldn't see past the negativity because I was blinded by the thoughts of others.I probably heard the words your stupid,worthless,and ugly to many times to even count.

The words resounded so loudly at one point it became to difficult to tune them out.I didn't consider myself capable of accomplishing anything.I started to believe all the words were true statements. Going to class was like preparing for battle I had to decide either to camouflage myself,hide,or armor up for defense.The default position I choose was permeating sadness I would run home to a corner and just cry until there were no tears to shed. Four words that I have now grasped on to are  let there be light.... It has to happen because he said it.There are so many words of encouragement that are written to me from the one who designed me that are far more important than what anyone else has said of me.

Final thought careful with words you say may  the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalms 19:14 NLT) 

Dating?

Young couples you see them everywhere in movies,commercials,on Instagram,and Facebook.It doesn't take much for me to get bubbled up with excitement when I hear about all the love stories on how couples met.If there's one thing that catches my eye is how adorable my  peers look in their pictures together.Thinking wow they look so great together it's a match made in heaven.

    

     Someone the other day truly made me ponder on the thought of dating.No one had ever directly asked me why aren't you dating?.At church I get asked all the time from older women are you married to anyone? Or are you dating someone?.After hearing these questions constantly at one point I thought of making someone up. Yet is it so wrong for me to say I'm content with the unfailing infinite love I've found in Christ.A love that can't even be fathomed or measured.

We live in a society that loves everything to be instantaneous.If everything can happen in a matter of seconds we consider it glorious.Were so rushed to immediately enter a relationship we don't stop to think is this the person God intended for me. Time goes by more quickly than you think.Its in our singleness where we have the time to personally nurture and grow our relationship in Christ.Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. (2 Timothy 2:22 NLT)As college students its at this point in our lives where we have the time and energy to serve him and be apart of a movement of reaching students for Christ. 

    I want to be able to reflect back and tell my children how wonderful and joyful  it was to use all of my downtime to serving God.How faithful God can be in providing for us.How he supplied  all the resources and support needed to extend the kingdom.Just as he did that in ministry he can do the same in our own finances as a family.

   Yes I wont deny have moments where I am anxious wondering God what will he be like?An equation of relationships I have come to understand Is  right person+wrong time=wrong person.Opportunities to date will always arise but by dating at this age Im settling for second best. Ephesians 5:25  is a great example of the kind of man I will patiently wait for.A husband that will love me the way Christ loved the church.

Of course your wondering what was my response to the person who asked why am I not dating?Its simple I'm waiting on the Man of God he designed just for me.Im not in a rush at all to be with someone.While I'm waiting I'm productively allowing God to make changes on the inside of my heart.So that when the day comes I'm equipped and aligned with my husband in the same mindset prepared to raise up a generation of men and women of God.keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. (Jude 1:21 NIV)

Imperfect

As a teenage gal I would skim through the  pages of magazines obsessing  over the latest clothing trends having a sense of dissatisfaction  if I don't own a certain item that everyone else was wearing. Tracking down what store would lead me to that item.If only I had used that same time to read what  God tells me of inner beauty less time and money would have been wasted.Not realizing that as a woman of God I'm already Clothed in strength and dignity. I wish someone would have told me that those countless hours of scrummaging wouldn't fill the obvious void in my heart of  desiring to feel accepted  by others.

  Thinking the more trendy I look the more people will notice me and use that as a shield to hide my deepest insecurities.I'm already treasured by the one who created me shouldn't that be more than enough. She is more precious than rubies, And all your delights are not comparable to her. (Proverbs 3:15 ISR98).Not understanding that there's a lovely  interior beauty that doesn't acquire lavish hairstyles or extravagant makeup.

   Although a makeup foundation would cover up the imperfections on my skin that made me self conscious around others.A much greater foundation needed to be set on the inside with Christ. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11 NLT).Contentment should have been found in knowing theres a man who loves me regardless of my appearance that chose me before the foundation of the earth.That the beauty of a pure heart will have us looking more radiant than any other impeccable model from a magazine.A notable reflection of his joy and peace that's beyond human comprehension will have others noticing a certain glow that wasn't visible before.

Running after the approval of others will only leave you empty and dry.Allow his majesty to wash away all the false lies,negative thoughts,and undignified words that were spoken over your life.External perfection may be appealing to the eye but its only temporal and will surely fade away.Im now striving for a different kind of perfection that can't be bought because its already been purchased by the blood of Christ.who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. (Colossians 1:14 NLT)