I remember when I was little on Christmas Eve. I could HARDLY wait till the next morning to go and run to look what was on the fireplace, in our stockings and under the tree. I just KNEW that Santa would come. No doubts in my mind. Before I could race to tear open with utter delight the gifts he had left....I had to go tell my parents he had come. After that...I was then sent to wake up my brother (I wasn't allowed to open any gifts until he and my parents had arrived.)
Not only was I excited on Christmas Eve...but I was excited the WHOLE month of December. I'd ask mom & dad all month, "Is it tomorrow? Is it tomorrow?" My mom would smile and tell me it wasn't. I was slightly disappointed, but I didn't DARE lose hope that Santa would come...and when he did..I KNEW HE WOULD DELIVER.
Crazy isn't it. Sometimes I'm the same way about life and God...just minus the excitement that comes with waiting.
Let's go through the comparison.
You know that God has given you a promise deep down (ex. Save a member of your family, financial help, a husband or wife, a car, next step in ministry, etc). You have no doubts. You KNOW that God is true to his word and never breaks his promises...in fact...if he did, he wouldn't be God (Let me say real quick..your promises do not equal God's promises...if he doesn't do something YOU want him to do..then you might want to step back and make sure that it's HIS will and not your own..I have to do this ALL of the time :)
Well...you ask him day after day..."Is it today? Is it tomorrow?" The answer is not right now. -----Now here's the part where we should be like the story above.... by not losing hope and still being EXCITED because you KNOW it's coming. However the turn in our story is that we begin to doubt that God will deliver, that God even hears us. We lose all excitement we had and begin to doubt.
Don't lose heart my friend. God will make GOOD on his word. Like when I was little and had to go look, then wake my parents, the wake my brother and wait on them to come with me....sometimes God asks you to do things before 'opening your gifts.' Be quick to listen and tune your ears to God's word. He will not disappoint, he never disappoints.
Showing posts with label religious. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religious. Show all posts
Friday, December 19, 2008
Monday, July 07, 2008
God is Good!
Last night was incredible. We had our cd release at our a.m. services...and then had a full-blown release at, A Night at McGlohon Theater, with all of our volunteers, givers and small group leaders. There are not words to describe how fulfilling this night was. I felt so honored to be a part of the event. I have the best job in the world as Guest Services Director. Our AMAZING volunteers showed out in style....in fact...so much, that the police stopped by and asked if they had a permit to be out. Gail, one of our Greeter Leaders, had her team out welcoming, smiling and cheering on all of our guests outside as they were coming into the theater. They covered an ENTIRE city block. Gail responded by saying, "officer, is there something wrong"
The policeman said, "Man, we've had a couple of complaints that your people have been cheering to loudly, and it's causing a disturbance."
"Oh, I'm sorry officer, we are welcoming people, we aren't protesting." Gail said.
"Ma'am, with the amount of people you have out here, you are going to need a permit."
Gail responds kindly, "but we are welcoming people to our church."
"But you are organized..." says the policeman.
She smiles and responds, "You are right officer, we are organized. The next time we are out here, we'll be sure to have a permit." As he turns to leave, she says, "would you like to come inside and be a part of our service tonight?"
Of course, at this time, all of our staff, including me, that have heard the police were there...made there way to make sure that we had done all that we could do to comply. I can't tell you how rewarding it is for me as the Guest Services Director to have SO many willing volunteers that we need a permit to move forward! I was so proud of how great all of our volunteers worked to make the Night at McGlohon Theater such a special event!!!
Pictures from the night will be posted within the week...we (Daniel and I) are furiosly editing them! Great job to our creative/production department and Pastor Furtick for planning so well...and making the night SO special.
To download the cd go here. To download the chord charts...go here.
Please see post below too....
The policeman said, "Man, we've had a couple of complaints that your people have been cheering to loudly, and it's causing a disturbance."
"Oh, I'm sorry officer, we are welcoming people, we aren't protesting." Gail said.
"Ma'am, with the amount of people you have out here, you are going to need a permit."
Gail responds kindly, "but we are welcoming people to our church."
"But you are organized..." says the policeman.
She smiles and responds, "You are right officer, we are organized. The next time we are out here, we'll be sure to have a permit." As he turns to leave, she says, "would you like to come inside and be a part of our service tonight?"
Of course, at this time, all of our staff, including me, that have heard the police were there...made there way to make sure that we had done all that we could do to comply. I can't tell you how rewarding it is for me as the Guest Services Director to have SO many willing volunteers that we need a permit to move forward! I was so proud of how great all of our volunteers worked to make the Night at McGlohon Theater such a special event!!!
Pictures from the night will be posted within the week...we (Daniel and I) are furiosly editing them! Great job to our creative/production department and Pastor Furtick for planning so well...and making the night SO special.
To download the cd go here. To download the chord charts...go here.
Please see post below too....
Monday, April 14, 2008
He's Still Workin' On Me...
...to make me what I ought to be... I love that song. I remember growing up and singing it (it's by 'The Hemphills). Still true...he's still working on me.
Monday's at the Elevation Church Offices mean MOMENTUM. That's our all-staff meetings. Each meeting can be so different...and today was no exception. Pastor Furtick led MOMENTUM today. He prayed for each staff member individually. What an amazing honor to be prayed over by him and to hear his prayers for my amigos in the ministry. We are all on the same team...and to hear the prayers for each person go up makes me want to weep. I guess I just wanted to take a minute to share how incredibly honored and blessed I feel. Thank you Jesus for your grand design and plan.
**
This past week was crazy. Crazy busy. But God is good..and it was fabulous! We photographed a couple from our small group on the most important day of their lives next to salvation...at their WEDDING! Eric was such a gracious groom. I can't wait to post some of their pix soon...
Today we are photographing Mack & Meredith. Meredith is the Creative Director here at Elevation. The girl is crazy talented and a gifted leader. Mack is a worship leader at Elevation. This dynamic duo is doing AMAZING things to further the gospel. Our gift to them are their pictures for her CONGO missions trip coming up. So cool we get to photograph them.
**
Thank you God for your unfailing love. I just had to say that. There are times when I just run up and grab Daniel to hug and hold onto him. He'll respond, "What did I do to deserve all of this attention..?" My response is.."I was just so full of love for you at this moment, if I didn't show it...I was going to burst." That's what I feel for God right at this very moment. God. You are so good.
Monday's at the Elevation Church Offices mean MOMENTUM. That's our all-staff meetings. Each meeting can be so different...and today was no exception. Pastor Furtick led MOMENTUM today. He prayed for each staff member individually. What an amazing honor to be prayed over by him and to hear his prayers for my amigos in the ministry. We are all on the same team...and to hear the prayers for each person go up makes me want to weep. I guess I just wanted to take a minute to share how incredibly honored and blessed I feel. Thank you Jesus for your grand design and plan.
**
This past week was crazy. Crazy busy. But God is good..and it was fabulous! We photographed a couple from our small group on the most important day of their lives next to salvation...at their WEDDING! Eric was such a gracious groom. I can't wait to post some of their pix soon...
Today we are photographing Mack & Meredith. Meredith is the Creative Director here at Elevation. The girl is crazy talented and a gifted leader. Mack is a worship leader at Elevation. This dynamic duo is doing AMAZING things to further the gospel. Our gift to them are their pictures for her CONGO missions trip coming up. So cool we get to photograph them.
**
Thank you God for your unfailing love. I just had to say that. There are times when I just run up and grab Daniel to hug and hold onto him. He'll respond, "What did I do to deserve all of this attention..?" My response is.."I was just so full of love for you at this moment, if I didn't show it...I was going to burst." That's what I feel for God right at this very moment. God. You are so good.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
If God Ain't Good!
I just wanted to take a second to brag on God. Today at Elevation of the 4833 people in attendance....He came into the hearts of over 500 people. That's 500 individual lives that asked Jesus to be their Lord. I am convinced that God is the coolest thing and most rewarding thing I've ever witnessed in my lifetime. That's only something a big God can do.
Thank you Jesus for caring about people. Thank you Jesus for the sacrifice you made for us all. I am forever grateful for you. I am so honored that Daniel and I get to wake up and be a part of something bigger than ourselves.
All glory to you, my Lord.
Thank you Jesus for caring about people. Thank you Jesus for the sacrifice you made for us all. I am forever grateful for you. I am so honored that Daniel and I get to wake up and be a part of something bigger than ourselves.
All glory to you, my Lord.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Identity.
Daniel and I were working on the computer together the other day, and I had to log into one of the sites we use. My login includes my maiden name. When typing the login I used my married name. It obviously wouldn’t let me in. I couldn’t figure out what I had done wrong.
When we finally figured it out—it was like, wow, I finally feel like that Lanning is my last name and that Whitley will always be a part of me, but Lanning is my new identity. In fact, when Daniel and I were first married, I would forget to sign my new married last name and would have to fix it.
When I said ‘I do’, it was official… I was Candice Lanning… but I didn’t feel like it was my name initially. I think the same can be said about when we accept Jesus into our lives. We get a new identity and we become a new creation. At times we can forget, revert to our old ways, but then the Holy Spirit gently reminds us who we are in Jesus and reminds us of our new identity. Over time, the more we live life striving to serve Jesus, the less we look like our old identity, but rather the new creation we have become. We then identify with our new life and new life alone.
Refreshing to say the least….and I thank the Lord for his patience as we learn our new identity in Him daily…and praise be to Him who no longer sees what we were, but what we’ve become because of His name.
*
Congrats to my GREAT friend Lisa...she finished her last chemo today! I am so thrilled for her! She's been sharing her story on a blog of her own. Please check out this fantastic woman here. She is truly an inspiration!
**
I’d like to give a special shout out to my staff homie, Spencer Tucker (www.spencertucker.com …coming soon…keep looking for it), who got us free lunch at Chipotle today. So good. Thanks to Jeremy Scott for making sure, along with Shannon, that I got invited to this free lunch. Ahhh…great food!
***
Went out with the small group homies to Mert’s Soul Food on Tuesday. Amazing time…I love sharing a meal with friends….I think it draws us closer to people. Our waitress, Paris….is the bomb and part of the reason we keep coming back.
****
Birthday shout-outs to our friend Joel, and bro-in-laws Jason & Matt….you guys are as old as dirt!
When we finally figured it out—it was like, wow, I finally feel like that Lanning is my last name and that Whitley will always be a part of me, but Lanning is my new identity. In fact, when Daniel and I were first married, I would forget to sign my new married last name and would have to fix it.
When I said ‘I do’, it was official… I was Candice Lanning… but I didn’t feel like it was my name initially. I think the same can be said about when we accept Jesus into our lives. We get a new identity and we become a new creation. At times we can forget, revert to our old ways, but then the Holy Spirit gently reminds us who we are in Jesus and reminds us of our new identity. Over time, the more we live life striving to serve Jesus, the less we look like our old identity, but rather the new creation we have become. We then identify with our new life and new life alone.
Refreshing to say the least….and I thank the Lord for his patience as we learn our new identity in Him daily…and praise be to Him who no longer sees what we were, but what we’ve become because of His name.
*
Congrats to my GREAT friend Lisa...she finished her last chemo today! I am so thrilled for her! She's been sharing her story on a blog of her own. Please check out this fantastic woman here. She is truly an inspiration!
**
I’d like to give a special shout out to my staff homie, Spencer Tucker (www.spencertucker.com …coming soon…keep looking for it), who got us free lunch at Chipotle today. So good. Thanks to Jeremy Scott for making sure, along with Shannon, that I got invited to this free lunch. Ahhh…great food!
***
Went out with the small group homies to Mert’s Soul Food on Tuesday. Amazing time…I love sharing a meal with friends….I think it draws us closer to people. Our waitress, Paris….is the bomb and part of the reason we keep coming back.
****
Birthday shout-outs to our friend Joel, and bro-in-laws Jason & Matt….you guys are as old as dirt!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
The Bless Back Project.
I'm just beyond words at this point. We just started the series (i.e. capital campaign)DOMIINATE . Amazed. So much so that our church shared 40,000 dollars with the congregation to go and bless someone in the community. Confused? You can visit the site at Bless Back Project .
I would tell you more....but instead, how about you listen to it here (it may be Monday or Tuesday before it's up......wait for it... :)
I would tell you more....but instead, how about you listen to it here (it may be Monday or Tuesday before it's up......wait for it... :)
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Keep Holdin' On.
Yeah. I love that song by Avril Lavigne .
I am one of those people that I'll use a napkin OR will open some candy...and instead of throwing the trash away, I hang onto it. I will hold it all day. I will walk by trashcan after trashcan...and still have it in my hand. Sometimes I'll even walk by the trashcan and after I've walked by I think, "I should hurry real quick and go back to throw that away." Instead...I keep on walking. There are times when I will have trash in my hands and Daniel will realize it and say, "hand it to me, I'll throw it away for you." Often times, I'll let him, but sometimes I just tell him not to worry about it...that 'I'll get to it later." I have even sat trash down somewhere (like in the car) with every intention of throwing it away...and will come by later and pick it up...and just hold onto it for a while.
OCD? Maybe. Control freak? Possibly. Forgetful? Absolutely. When I keep the trash in my hands, their is often little room for me to hold on to anything else, especially no room for things of importance.
I find that often times...it's the same with with 'trash' (aka: sin, disappointment, hurt, sadness, bad habits, wrong people in our lives, etc.)...we'll pick it up....and we'll hold onto it. We will pass by 'spiritual trashcan after trashcan' and not throw it away. We'll even pass by a trashcan and after passing contemplate on whether or not we should go back and throw it away...but we refuse to. There are times when the Lord will ask us, "hand it to me, I'll throw it away for you." Sometimes we will give it to him, and sometimes we won't and just tell Him not tow worry about it, that we will 'get to it later.'
When we keep 'trash' (aka: sin, disappointment, hurt, sadness, bad habits, wrong people in our lives, etc.) it prevents us from having room to hold onto anything else, especially the good things that God wants us to have.
Try Psalms 55:2, Pile your troubles on God's shoulders—he'll carry your load, he'll help you out. He'll never let good people topple into ruin. and 1 Peter 5:7 , -Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
This kind of just smacked me in the face today when carrying trash in from breakfast to work...and having to tell myself to throw it away.
So throw it away already!
I am one of those people that I'll use a napkin OR will open some candy...and instead of throwing the trash away, I hang onto it. I will hold it all day. I will walk by trashcan after trashcan...and still have it in my hand. Sometimes I'll even walk by the trashcan and after I've walked by I think, "I should hurry real quick and go back to throw that away." Instead...I keep on walking. There are times when I will have trash in my hands and Daniel will realize it and say, "hand it to me, I'll throw it away for you." Often times, I'll let him, but sometimes I just tell him not to worry about it...that 'I'll get to it later." I have even sat trash down somewhere (like in the car) with every intention of throwing it away...and will come by later and pick it up...and just hold onto it for a while.
OCD? Maybe. Control freak? Possibly. Forgetful? Absolutely. When I keep the trash in my hands, their is often little room for me to hold on to anything else, especially no room for things of importance.
I find that often times...it's the same with with 'trash' (aka: sin, disappointment, hurt, sadness, bad habits, wrong people in our lives, etc.)...we'll pick it up....and we'll hold onto it. We will pass by 'spiritual trashcan after trashcan' and not throw it away. We'll even pass by a trashcan and after passing contemplate on whether or not we should go back and throw it away...but we refuse to. There are times when the Lord will ask us, "hand it to me, I'll throw it away for you." Sometimes we will give it to him, and sometimes we won't and just tell Him not tow worry about it, that we will 'get to it later.'
When we keep 'trash' (aka: sin, disappointment, hurt, sadness, bad habits, wrong people in our lives, etc.) it prevents us from having room to hold onto anything else, especially the good things that God wants us to have.
Try Psalms 55:2, Pile your troubles on God's shoulders—he'll carry your load, he'll help you out. He'll never let good people topple into ruin. and 1 Peter 5:7 , -Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
This kind of just smacked me in the face today when carrying trash in from breakfast to work...and having to tell myself to throw it away.
So throw it away already!
Friday, August 03, 2007
Congrats Susan & Scott
Take a look at the slideshow....my good friend, Susan, (from college) is getting married to an awesome guy...Scott! They will be tying the knot next year...we will be providing the pix for them...I am SO happy for her...and can't wait to go up to Baltimore for the wedding!
***
I am deeply saddened by what has happened in Minnesota. You can't see those images and not be affected. I also just read this family's story ...and broke down. I have to believe that God has ordered our days, and in a blink of an eye, it could be our time...but those that are left, must grieve and heal. I just can't imagine. I just can't imagine.
***
I have been learning and have been challenged lately on prayer; what it means, what it's for, my perception of it and more. Last Sunday we had a guest speaker from SeaCoast church come and speak on it (fantastic job) and we've discussed it further with our small group. I'm still 'chewing' a bit more on what I'm learning....but more on that is to come.
***
I posted late yesterday our pictures from our trip last week. Click here if you didn't get to see them. If you dare..
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Hi there...
So...tonight Daniel and I are going to a small group from Elevation Church. We've been attending there since we were married...and we are really enjoying and looking forward to being a part of it. It's always fun getting to meet new people and starting over....and we can't wait to jump in a get started! So....tonight should be fun to meet with our small group for the first time!
In other news..the Volunteer Banquet was a success here at the shelter. So many volunteers came on Tuesday....and it was just wonderful. I have to brag on my husband...who came and helped. I am the envy of all women I know...b/c my man goes the extra mile on everything. Seriously. He's the best man I know.
The rodeo...my last post. A rain out. Yes..after 3 weeks of no rain in the Carolinas....it fell....so we didn't get to go...but we were SO thankful for the rain.
Hmmm. I'm sure there's more....but I'll save it for another day....
In other news..the Volunteer Banquet was a success here at the shelter. So many volunteers came on Tuesday....and it was just wonderful. I have to brag on my husband...who came and helped. I am the envy of all women I know...b/c my man goes the extra mile on everything. Seriously. He's the best man I know.
The rodeo...my last post. A rain out. Yes..after 3 weeks of no rain in the Carolinas....it fell....so we didn't get to go...but we were SO thankful for the rain.
Hmmm. I'm sure there's more....but I'll save it for another day....
Sunday, March 04, 2007
When our problems seems too large to bear...
....remember ....
Joshua 1:9 (New International Version)
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Ephesians 3:17-19 (New Living Translation)
17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Picture not taken by me but by a National Geographic photographer. Go here to see more of 'Africa's Wild Heart.'
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Happy Birthday Jason!
Today is the birthday of my brother-in-law to be! I hope you have an amazing birthday Jason .....and that you don't eat too many sweets!! :)
~~~
So. Speaking of sweets...I started this meal plan...to eat better. No, it's not a diet. My mom has designed it for me (it's her line of work...).I find myself fixated on food. Isn't it funny how we want something (like a Snickers bar) when we are no longer allowed to have it? Somehow it feels as though we are missing out.
I think it can feel the same way with a Christian walk. You know that living for Christ is a much better way to live life than your old one. God has provided the Word for us (Bible) so that we can stay on track and do what's best for us. But somehow, we fixate on what we can no longer have....We want it only because we can't/shouldn't have it. It feels like we are missing out.
I think the Lord understood all along what we would battle...and he spoke of it through Paul in Romans 7.
Romans 7:15-25 (New Living Translation)
15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power[b] within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
Just a thought.
~~~
So. Speaking of sweets...I started this meal plan...to eat better. No, it's not a diet. My mom has designed it for me (it's her line of work...).I find myself fixated on food. Isn't it funny how we want something (like a Snickers bar) when we are no longer allowed to have it? Somehow it feels as though we are missing out.
I think it can feel the same way with a Christian walk. You know that living for Christ is a much better way to live life than your old one. God has provided the Word for us (Bible) so that we can stay on track and do what's best for us. But somehow, we fixate on what we can no longer have....We want it only because we can't/shouldn't have it. It feels like we are missing out.
I think the Lord understood all along what we would battle...and he spoke of it through Paul in Romans 7.
Romans 7:15-25 (New Living Translation)
15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power[b] within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
Just a thought.
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