tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73109344675613383912011-11-27T15:44:05.275-08:00This is a little encouragement and hope for your everday life. God wants you to continue to grow in Him and IMPAKT your life. Feel free to comment, suggest topics, and leave feedback!Laurennoreply@blogger.comBlogger431100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-54760266660027978082009-08-30T07:21:00.000-07:002009-08-30T07:31:37.760-07:00

--Sent from my T-Mobile Sidekick®

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-44719543365016328052009-07-07T21:48:00.001-07:002009-07-07T21:48:19.297-07:00

How do you know if you have a productive heart? Are you willing to take the time to hear God's Word--even beyond Sunday morning?----------------------------------------------------Sent from my T-Mobile Sidekick®

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-85154411729329179702009-07-03T21:55:00.001-07:002009-07-03T21:55:32.963-07:00

God often deepens our faith during tough times in our lives. Don't waste the challenges.

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-27498220519725318132009-06-29T06:13:00.001-07:002009-06-29T06:13:26.373-07:00

Behold Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it. I am weak in the faith; strengthen me. I am cold in love, warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor. I do not have a strong and firm faith; at time I doubt and am unable to trust you altogether. O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in you. In you I have sealed the treasure of all I have. I

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-49548556508340937932009-06-24T12:04:00.001-07:002009-06-24T12:04:02.607-07:00

When you start to get real with God, you pray different. When you get real with God, you realize that regardless of the circumstances, God is enough.

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-45471110839564852912009-06-18T15:17:00.000-07:002009-06-18T15:35:49.247-07:00

A prayer of Worship--What it means to know You...To know you is to know the sand, as the cool grains squish through my toes.To know you is to face each challenge and enjoy them as I grow.To know you is to feel the sun rays shine and bronze my skin.To know you is to know your Son and the redemption of my sin.To know you is to see the trees filled with singing birds.To know you is to read the Bible

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-41988791414876516192009-06-09T07:12:00.001-07:002009-06-09T07:12:15.604-07:00

I've really been pushed to the limits of faith over this last year. I have come to accept this idea of growth and the change that comes with it.Understanding others and believing in a purpose has opened my eyes to the need for God's love. The apparent lack of God, faith, and purpose in our generation must be addressed. We need to begin to break down those walls of hesitation in our friends

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-51282365255611402252009-06-08T23:05:00.001-07:002009-06-08T23:05:45.945-07:00

Hey. God here, don't forget I always have your back. Romans 12:12 -- "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction faithful in prayer."

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-15867209320015967822009-06-07T13:46:00.001-07:002009-06-07T13:46:13.330-07:00

Noah was a smart man... God is definitely the king of "makin it rain.."--Sent from my T-Mobile Sidekick®

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-38158366125074415192009-06-06T09:10:00.001-07:002009-06-06T09:10:59.450-07:00

As the ocean spray mists my face,I smile because it feels like your embrace,Like a wet kiss and a windy hug, From my father looking down from above.Birds fly by with grace and ease,In awe and wonder, it's you I hope to please.Everyday is your gift to me,I make mistakes but you forgive with mercy.And just like the waves roll in one by one,And just like the rising sun,You promise life to all who

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-26946905490088651472009-06-01T06:56:00.007-07:002009-06-01T07:02:20.418-07:00

Hey, Lauren here, trying something new, I'll call them your daily quick picks! Consider it your quick pick me up for the day!Feeling down today? Discouraged? Confused? Find hope!! Did you know that you are His predestined will? When you hope in Christ, he is glorified!"In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works everything in conformity with the

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-14027886367679595052009-05-29T13:27:00.000-07:002009-05-29T14:26:04.314-07:00

In the beginning... Okay, name that intro! I'm sure you've heard those words many times in the story of creation, but I recently decided to read through Genesis. As usual, God used the Word to teach me about life through a story I've heard a thousand times."“Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-62005263313556246262009-05-15T08:11:00.000-07:002009-05-15T08:27:39.358-07:00

I was listening to my itunes library on shuffle and came across and song that although not Christian, began to speak to my heart. I had planned to write this whole blog on prayer and talking to God about the good, the bad, anything and everything because He is listening. Even when you feel so alone and lost in this world you can always confide in the God who hears your every thought.I think Psalm

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-51262605829191181322009-05-05T21:22:00.000-07:002009-05-04T22:27:20.915-07:00

Today I've really been thinking about why God put me where I am. Meaning, really putting thought into the purpose of God's hand in my life -- every aspect of it. Like with my new job, it may not be ideal but I think it's God's way of saying prove to me you can exemplify me no matter what the situation. Every day life should be our mission field.The day you give your heart to God you are a

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-51735729253100975962009-04-29T21:46:00.000-07:002009-04-29T22:24:11.274-07:00

Psalm 73:26 says, "My health may fain and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever."Heavenly Father, please fill me with joy and peace. Don't let the feelings of this world overwhelm my heart. You are my heart. help me to be happy, kind and have a great attitude in whatever I am doing. I want to be an example of Jesus and lead a life of love. Thank you

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-58067632809097293172009-03-19T08:28:00.000-07:002009-03-19T09:09:06.399-07:00

So lately I've been thinking about passion. People have always said I am a very passionate person, I've also been told I am "dramatic" and "loud." Which are both very true indeed but I would categorize those characteristics under passion. I like to express myself in a passionate way and often times it's seen to others as "hyper" but I see it as passion.Passion is a funny thing, most often I think

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-65345926448851442922009-03-13T08:15:00.001-07:002009-03-15T12:20:45.731-07:00

A few days ago as I stood triumphantly upon my mountain, thanking God for the strength and guidance to get me there. I stood, praising my king in this moment of glory and was humbled by His gracious love, and powerful victory. I never stopped to notice the stormy weather overhead that would blow me from high place, to the darkness of defeat.Today I struggle for air as I am carried away in the

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-77291403519508427982009-03-13T07:42:00.001-07:002009-03-13T08:14:40.403-07:00

David used his gift of writing to express his feelings. God gave us emotions and feelings so that we can express ourselves but he also calls us not to sin in those emotions. Like anger, it is not a sin to be angry, but the Bible does say not sin in your anger. It is a sin to have hatred in your heart because of your anger. See how that works, you can be sad but you should not let bitterness

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-32777614726754853642009-02-27T05:33:00.000-08:002009-03-13T07:41:59.371-07:00

Here is what the Bible says about worry...25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?27

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-52936206970114795552009-02-23T11:39:00.000-08:002009-02-23T12:17:39.571-08:00

Hey guys! Hope all is well in your lives. I'm sorry I haven't been blogging as much recently, but an amazing oppurtunity has entered my life and I so I've been a bit distracted.I came across a new resource that I love and want to pass along to you all. It is the new website of Rev. Rick Warren, called The Purpose Driven Connection. (He is the author of the book The Purpose Driven Life which I

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-72419386393572450332009-02-12T06:15:00.000-08:002009-02-12T06:26:28.992-08:00

We see that we have been given an example of true love. Now I want to tell you about perfect love. First John 4:9-10 says, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”What an example of love. Our maker, the God

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-70128185645948802342009-02-10T08:24:00.000-08:002009-02-14T09:49:30.522-08:00

If you have ever been to a wedding then you’ve probably heard the reading of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, some of you may even have it memorized. I can’t help but think about this passage of the Bible as Valentine’s Day approaches, but as i read it I felt it may be a bit misunderstood.Let’s look at verses 4-7:“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-20365388652473007992009-02-09T19:51:00.000-08:002009-02-09T20:02:38.100-08:00

Come check out the blog over the next few days, I'll be doing a mini series on Love. In the meantime, to get something stirring within, check out this amazing video. The song is called "Times" by Tenth Avenue North. I encourage downloading their songs (or album!)Also, read up on what God thinks about love in 2 Corinthians 13 & 1 John 4:7-21Come back for more this week!!

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-8936291265803429282009-01-30T08:21:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:53:03.108-08:00

"I never liked jazz music because jazz music doesn’t resolve. . . . I used to not like God because God didn’t resolve. But that was before any of this happened."That's an excerpt from Blue Like Jazz: Non-Religious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality, by Donald Miller (for those of you who attend LOFT, this is the book we will be discussing at Sonny's BBQ on Monday). I thought that I would do a

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-35265130835344293312009-01-27T13:14:00.000-08:002009-01-27T13:16:29.112-08:00

I just thought this was amazing. Enjoy..."Lead me to the Cross" by Hillsong

Laurennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-27690188915211585682009-01-26T08:11:00.000-08:002009-01-30T08:15:12.694-08:00

Alrighty, you guys ready to finish up this series on getting the most out of the word? There are two R’s left to help us in our journey of growth through the Bible, the first is remembering. We all remember things that are important to us like dates, people, events, phone numbers and so on. In the same sense, the Bible is so important to memorize because it comes with incredible benefits.Knowing

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-39257307266983526362009-01-23T09:09:00.000-08:002009-01-30T08:15:12.695-08:00

Some of you may be thinking I don’t need to read about reading Lauren, that is just silly. Unfortunately most of us are probably more faithful to our favorite TV shows than reading our Bibles regularly. We won’t miss that episode (or game) but when it comes to the Bible, our dedication is lacking. Oh and the list goes on, we’ll read emails and check our MySpace religiously but can’t take the time

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-51282795577402673372009-01-22T06:41:00.000-08:002009-01-30T08:15:12.695-08:00

Last blog I listed the five R’s that can help you get the most out of God’s Word, but now I want to talk specifically about each one to better understand why these are so important in your walk with Christ. The first way to get the most out of the Bible may seem silly to even go over, but Jesus told an entire parable on receiving his Word. Throughout the New Testament Jesus used parables (or

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-75105159550180019722009-01-21T07:11:00.000-08:002009-01-22T06:40:51.422-08:00

Over the next few blogs I will be doing a different style, it will be more like a series. I feel like this an important topic so I want to take a few days to really dive into it.At the IMPAKT services Joel has really been challenging us to read the Bible, so I wanted to really focus for the next few days on why it is so key to get into the Word. In John 15:7, Jesus says “If you remain in me and

Laurennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-34070716654414642232009-01-20T07:17:00.000-08:002009-01-22T06:38:29.805-08:00

At LOFT this week Joel talked about living a life that pleases God. He posed the question what does it mean to be holy. Many answers were said by students but I was curious about what the Bible defines Holy living as. Without even trying the Lord plopped the answer in my lap. While reading Ephesians I stood up and lost my place, when I opened the Bible back up I saw the heading "Rules for Holy

Laurennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-58559050174253272352009-01-14T13:57:00.001-08:002009-01-22T06:38:29.806-08:00

I sat up quickly in bed and gasped as I glanced at the fluorescent red numbers on the clock. The alarm didn't go off and I was now 25 minutes late to start my day, great just great. To make things worse my toast got burnt while I took the dog out and I stepped in poop; guess I won't be wearing these shoes. This is going to be a great day, I thought to myself. So began the downward spiral that is

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-49137159222475718592009-01-12T08:18:00.000-08:002009-01-22T06:38:29.807-08:00

Recently I encountered a situation in which an old “enemy”, as some would call her, appeared suddenly in my life. This person had hurt me in various ways throughout junior high and high school. I found some old feelings of damage and pain resurfacing even after five years. My attitude was that of bitterness and as she uttered hello, I boiled with horrible pain. I nodded my head and ignored her

Laurennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-10572241189804821732009-01-06T11:40:00.001-08:002009-01-22T06:38:29.807-08:00

Have you ever been called out before? You know, been caught in a lie or proven wrong after pressing an issue? Now imagine being called out by Jesus. Ouch. That does not sound like fun, but actually happened to one young man in the Bible.In Matthew (19:16) there is a story of Jesus meeting a wealthy man, he comes to Jesus and asks him what good things he must do to receive eternal life. Jesus

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-80173245557130906412009-01-03T12:34:00.000-08:002009-01-04T22:04:16.991-08:00

Happy New Year!! Isn't it funny to hear people chat this time of year? Oh, it's resolution time! But what is a resolution? A goal? Hope? Maybe a wish?If there was a survey six months from now how many people would even remember their resolution, no less still be committed to them?What if we as Christians resolved to be more committed to God and his commands? Not for the year, but forever. To wake

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-68729766197150112782008-12-16T13:39:00.000-08:002009-01-04T21:35:53.991-08:00

“And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” –Luke 2:7We all know the real reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ, but have you ever thought about his birth as an inconvenience? Think about the questions you would have been asking if you were Mary or Joseph:God don’t we have enough to

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-35735228317560148252008-12-04T15:08:00.000-08:002009-01-04T21:35:53.991-08:00

These are great testimonies of God's power in people's lives, with only a few words.Check them out...What would your cardboard testimony be?

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-28775716749970334662008-11-26T13:07:00.001-08:002008-11-26T18:30:02.176-08:00

Hope – noun; a belief in a positive outcome, even when circumstances seem otherwise. – verb; to believe, desire, or trust.What do you hope in?Money? Possessions? Friends/Relationships? Yourself?Goals? Have any (or all) of these things let you down at some point in your life?"There's just no hope.. "Often times when your high hopes aren't met, the higher your despair. This can cause us to lose

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-24341841880107867082008-11-21T16:35:00.000-08:002008-11-26T18:25:32.630-08:00

Ever feel like the walls just might cave in around you? That it is raining in your life and it just won't stop? Sometimes finding peace in the midst of the troubles life may bring can seem impossible. But finding peace is a sacrifice of trust. When circumstances in your life tempt you to panic, feel terrified, become a nervous wreck, or be filled with dread, you can either choose to give into

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-66218208317023414692008-11-13T13:27:00.001-08:002008-11-26T18:26:04.104-08:00

The last blog was all about music. Here is another song, this one is pulled straight from the Bible.Lyrics to "Psalm 62" as sung by Shane and Shane:He's the only oneStrong enough to leanMy heaviness againstThe weight of all my sinFalling on a rockLeaning on a fortressOh the wall of God, JesusHe won't moveOn God I restMy salvationMy fortressShall not be shakenMy mighty rockAnd my gloriousI lay my

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-62574369143221092832008-11-11T08:39:00.001-08:002008-11-26T18:26:04.105-08:00

Music is a wonderful way to express our love for God. I think that God can also use music to inspire us and to bring us closer to him. I know whenever I feel lost or discouraged, it helps to listen to music that lifts up the Lord in worship.Here's a challenge, go online and find some Christian artists that play your kind of music. Whether it is acoustic, rock, punk, rap, or whatever you are into,

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-62923836776941108882008-11-06T14:09:00.001-08:002008-11-26T18:24:49.170-08:00

Have you ever thought about your heart as a home for Jesus? In Revelations 3:20, the Lord says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." Isn't it great to know that God loves you so much and seeks your heart? He comes to you; He has interest in YOU! In 1 John 3:23, God commands us to believe in the his

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-25383266848081509362008-11-05T09:39:00.000-08:002008-11-05T12:52:07.593-08:00

On Sunday, Willy spoke about discouragement and the many ways the devil tries to bring us down through doubt, guilt, fear, sinful desires, and temptation.What discourages you? Do you let worry, fear, and doubt overtake your daily life?In Exodus 14 God uses His power to demonstrate to the Israelites that He is in control. The story begins when the Israelites (God's chosen people) were rescued

Laurennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7310934467561338391.post-91330780538989500352008-11-04T12:31:00.000-08:002008-11-05T12:52:50.045-08:00

This is a new blog for those seeking to know more about God. Some of the blogs will tie into the teachings going on at IMPAKT ministries. Check back daily for new articles, links, thoughts, and ideas about the Lord.I hope this is a place of encouragement and a place to challenge you to get into the Word and draw close to God.Feel free to leave feedback and answer the comment questions at the end

Laurennoreply@blogger.com0