heavenly glory through music and the spiritual realm

I love writing music.  I've been composing a lot lately.  It's amazing how much better "my" music sounds when it's improvised praises and worship to God.

I spent a couple hours in Borders today just reading this book called "Angels Assigned."  The subject of angels and heavenly beings has always fascinated me.  Harmony was able to explain the different types of angels so well, guardians, protectors, warriors, messengers.  She has the gift of being able to see them, which is totally rockin.  The spiritual realm is a complex and interesting world.  It's around us all the time, and some people are fortunate enough to get bored with the physical world and see into this heavenly, spiritual realm.  I've only explored what God has shown me... mere glimpses of this heavenly place.  It's truly miraculous.

I spent over two hours talking to Nadine on the phone today.  What a gem.  She is so intelligent, wise, and sweet.  Lord, allow me to pray for her and all she is going through.  Love this girl.

Carry these burdens I have.  Help me read Your Word daily, and grow and listen to Your voice.  I LOVE YOU.  Help me live every step and every breath I take glorifying you Lord Jesus.  Father God protect me, help me write music that honors You and You alone.  Thanks for your glimpses of heavenly glory.

Your child,
Kelly

some pictures from Israel and Egypt, Nov. 3-20, 2009

Jordan River, baptism renewal kissing sphinx in Egyptsunset in EgyptDad, Mom, and I at the pyramids in Egyptsunset at cruise on the Nile Rivercamels in EgyptWestern (Wailing) WallDome of the Rockbeautiful sky in Israel

a listening ear/ harmony

I have been longing to hear God's voice clearly for a long time.  I've felt periods of silence in my life, and I feel a bit of that now.  I'm seeking direction for my future.  I recently wrote a song called Unsure.  It is about being unsure about the future, and about life, but knowing that I'm sure about the future God has for me.

Sometimes I feel like God is the only stable thing in my life.  Everything else is so uncertain... my career, future relationships, future living situations...  Ultimately I have to concentrate on the present, and find joy in all circumstances, even in the most difficult of times.

I need to keep a listening ear open to what God may tell me.  I'm trying to spend daily time in the Word and seek God harder than I know how.  Sometimes I fail, but that's when I'm learning to let it out and cry about it, but then not to dwell, but instead to move on and move forward, trying my hardest not to look back at my mistakes.

Harmony, if you ever read my blog, I can't tell you how much I miss you.  Zimbabwe is too far away.  It's so hard not to be able to get ahold of you on the spot, like when you lived here.  You give such great advice and possess so much wisdom.  God has gifted you over the top girl because you are not afraid to ask and use what's been given to you.  You have touched me on a deeper and more spiritual level than anyone.  Continue to use your gifts.  They are endless.  You use your name well, by bringing harmony to the lives of people around you and through your music.  I could go on and on, but bottom line... I miss you, and you are forever my sister in Christ.

Readers:
When have you felt uncertain about your future?
Did anything become clear to you?  If so, what?
Did you turn to anything/anyone for help?
If so, what help did that thing or person give you?
Did you turn to God for help?
How did God help you?
Do you have a friend, like Harmony for me, that has been there to give you encouragement and advice?

Israel, Egypt, and a Prayer to God

Sitting here on a rainy day, I've come to realize how much faster and more enjoyable life is when I'm doing things. I went to Israel and Egypt November 3-20th and had such a great time! My favorite story is that there was this old man in Bethlehem who was the boss of an olive wood shop. He saw me and said, "There are beautiful women in America. I will give your father 500 camels if you marry my son." I told him jokingly, "Well my dad's right up there. You can go ask him." I told my dad what the man had said, and my dad replied, "500, no, 600, yes!" It was the running joke of the tour. We later talked about how it would be hysterically disappointing if he shipped 500 camels made out of olive wood to home to Santa Barbara. But, if they were real camels, what would we do with them? I recommended we put all the camels in the stables near the llamas, across from Luther Glen near Camp Yolijwa and give camel rides to the campers to raise money for camp. haha. It was a pretty outrageous plan. Needless, to say, I will not be marrying a random Israel stranger's son.

I applied to Fuller Theological Seminary as a possibility for next year. I'm not sure if this is where God wants me next year, but it's worth a shot if nothing else comes up. Plus, I know I'm supposed to go into ministry, and this seems like a pretty fair option... okay more than fair. So, we'll see what happens with that.

Laura and I are throwing a Christmas party this Saturday and the weather forecast says it's suppose to rain... boo! Hopefully the party will be just as fun and eventful despite if it rains or not.

Another cool story about Israel and Egypt is that we had a healing service for my dad on the Nile River on a cruise ship. We were on the top deck and Pastor Harry anointed my dad's head with oil, we prayed over my dad and laid hands on him, and we all said the Lord's prayer together. Pastor Harry and another woman read from the book of James, in English and Spanish. Lord, help my dad and his unbelief that he will get better. Even if getting better means that he will not lose hope in life nor in you Lord Jesus.

I would like to end with a prayer...

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you for life, and the chances we get to save the world and make the world a better place. Thank you for the gift of Your forgiveness, love, and compassion. Help us to show these things to the people around us who have not seen your goodness. Bless the poor in spirit, the meek and the lonely. Heal the sick, the oppressed, the hungry and the needy. Let the people of this world change their ways to see, know, and worship You, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Heal my dad of Parkinson's Disease, help my sister to come back to and to know You and love You and long for You Lord God. Help my mom's confidence and turn her passivity into strength. Help my best friend's insecurities to turn into confidence about her body. Bring these beautiful people Your love, oh Lord, for it reaches to the heavens and stretches to the skies. Thank you for my faith but help my unbelief. Give me confidence, comfort and wisdom this Saturday as I'm set to do something challenging and vulnerable. I love you Lord. In Your name I pray Lord Jesus,

AMEN!