It's currently 73 degrees.. and not a cloud in the sky..

As I sat outside admiring the beauty of the day, God began to speak to me. I could hear the beautiful music being made by the Creator of the universe. I could feel every breath of life being breathed into me from something so much bigger than myself.. I could feel the wind gently embracing my cheeks, feeling like the finger tips of the Almighty. I am fascinated that this evening He will paint me a sunset that will be different than any other evening.

I was sitting with friends engaging in conversation that makes my Jesus smile. I love this place. I am just dumbfounded at the depths He has gone for me. To think.. He doesn't NEED me.. but He wants to use what little worth I have for the bigger picture. Just like the day when 5,000 people gathered to hear the Gospel.. all with empty stomachs. One little boy had some food, but not enough. Do you think Jesus really needed his basket to provide for everyone else?? Of course he didn't! But He chose to use what little the boy had to offer, to allow him to be a part of fulfilling the need. Did those people even deserve to be fed? What gave them the sense of entitlement to have food provided for them?? Did Jesus question if they had worked hard enough, or if they were going to be thankful enough?? NO! He fed them simply because they were hungry. That's it. Should we think about what the beggar is going to spend our spare change on? No. We should give because there is a need. No questions asked. Only then will we begin to be able to fill the greater need.. the deep-cutting, life-threatening need of Savior. Jesus ate with beggars and thieves. Laughed and shared with whores and tax collectors. He fulfilled physical needs... and the door for the Gospel was opened.

Tears stream down my face as I replay the past year of my life... from one extreme to the next.. God has taken a filthy rag and called it worthy to cleanse His own feet. He has taken an empty vessel and used it to breathe life into the lost. A worthless, continual sinner-- and called her beloved. An insecure harlot to a sustained bride of Jesus. He has brought me to His feet and said "I love you, child."

I am so blessed to know Him.

Today is my last day to be 20 years old. What will my 21st year bring??