Praying for my friend...

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted"(Matthew 5:4).....

Matthew 11:25-30 speaks TRUTH,
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Ashley, we love you.... Sister, Our God is good. He is celebrating your mommy's return home. Her legacy is you. In your heart she will be until you meet again. Rest In Peace Ms. Gail....

WAITING ROOM.

Paperwork to Gallaudet University....
Paperwork to Atlanta Area School for the Deaf...
Paperwork to Sertoma...
All done.
I can practically see the "light" in a new direction getting brighter and brighter, I just don't actually know where it's taking me yet. I'm thankful I know where ever and when ever I get there.... God is in control. I can't do better than that. I would not do better than that.

Waiting isn't always easy, but it's a test in itself. A test God has prepared me to pass. I have to remember that. He wants me to be successful and victorious. He also wants me to persevere for His Namesake's. He wants that for all of us.

When my attitude is transformed for, "How should I prepare to not get this/or ____ to happen?" and in to "Where God puts me is on purpose. Where I am is on purpose. If not this then something. If this then He wants it too and it's GOOD!...What God is doing is on purpose", then the waiting feels more productive... more, purposeful too. It feels right. What is God doing right NOW that I can be learning and growing from? What can I be doing to strengthen and grow my faith too right NOW? How can I better TALK to God about what's going on...?

Right now I pray, wait, and listen/look/hope..... I make the most of opportunities and relationships. I strive to make the most of each day...

I have a peace about waiting and new found excitement. After all, two years ago I was "too chicken" to apply to Gally. But I feel like if I don't at least try, then I won't. The opportunity to study at (the best) sign language school (in the world) is.... wow, it leaves mes speechless. Go figure, right? :D And I want God to do extrordinary things, so how can I expect to be unwilling to do try and to extraordinary things? I don't think it works that way always.... God wants us to be courageous! I am willing to play the background, I am willing to step up to the frontline however He calls me, and I ultimately am willing to be HIS. I want to in fact, for the Glory of Him, to do extraordinary things.

Saying, "That's TOO GOOD or TOO HARD", mocks the potential of what God can actually do in my life or in anyone's life. We should love and live humbly, love and live not for ourselves........ God says, "Do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you"(Matthew 10:19-20).

I didn't know a few months ago this would all be changing and happening. So, this is exciting to see where the anticipation and initial waiting has led me. Now, I am patiently anticipating the next big change! It's unknown.... but it's going to become known! Jesus says in Matthew 10:26, "Therefore do not fear (them). For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known."

HE IS FOR US.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 says,

"But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit."

Happy Spring.
He makes all things new.

Went for my first long run in a long time (hah, pun) this afternoon. It was also my first run from the new house and through down town in Athens... ever. I've lived here for 3.5 years and have yet to venture through DT by trainers. Well, proud to say that is changing quickly. There are so many beautiful spots in Athens. I think I could probably write poetry about Athens. Seriously. I know that sounds cliche and cheesy all the same, but really. And Father, every where I look, I look for you. You've opened my eyes to things that could have otherwise gone unseen. You've put light in every place. You are the light that fills my soul. You comfort and inspire me in ways that are literally indescribable I feel like.

While running I had the Passion 2011 "Here For You" CD on and it was great. I love that CD. Towards the end of the run I needed a pick me up though and switched over to LeCrae. LeCrae is AWESOME! Please. Hurry. If you don't know who they are, GO LISTEN. I love them.

Today was Monday, so lets be real for a minute. Mondays just really are that rough sometimes. But it's our minds that need renewed thinking. Join me in asking God for help in seeing every day as a gift. The weekend isn't the only treasure. After all, God made Monday-Friday for a reason. How can we change our ways of thinking and our hearts even, and be more equipped to enjoying all 7 days?

Romans 15:13 encourages,

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Keep looking.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Dear Ireland,
I came THIS close to seeing you this year.
Next year, it's fair game all over again.
We shall meet soon. I can FEEL it.
Yours Sincerely,
Mel

This is a great song from the adorable (always makes my heart sink to my tummy) "PS.Iloveyou" movie. I know Paige will enjoy this. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Drove home from OCPS today and was filled with joy. Excited to get home to the patio and feel the fresh air some more and enjoy the sunshine! This is the best time of the year to me. When ever the seasons are changing, it's inspiring and glorious to experience. I've got a fresh bottle of SMART WATER (mmmmmm...), taking the TOMS off to go barefoot, and changing out of "teacher clothes"---> in to running shorts and a tank top. It's going to be a Tony Horton kind of afternoon, but first... just simplifying things.

Before I run a to-do list in my head, I'm going to be still. I am thankful for a great day of teaching, smiling kids, new bonds with teachers and co-workers, increasing knowledge and confidence for teaching, fresh ideas in the classroom, wonderful friends and family, little treats for the kiddos, and "Irish holiday cheer" for all :)

"BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD. I WILL BE EXHALTED...."- PSALM 46:10

What has brought you joy today?
How do you find joy?
Don't let anyone take your joy. Ever!

Today:
-Waking up refreshed from a night of "girl talk" with Ash*Bash
-Dressing up in green and seeing everybody in green at the school! I seriously love holidays. It just adds something special to the day!
-Bringing St. Patrick's Day goodies for the kiddos and having extra to share with kiddos from other classes. Is it crazy to think I want to make cookies for all the kids at OCPS? Would anyone be willing to do "Cookie Mission" with me? I think that's a goal for the end of the year. May even get so crazy as to bake some for the teachers and put notes with encouragement on em. I think that would be cool and a sweet memory. Just an idea...
-The day going smoothly! Miss having my mentor teacher there but enjoyed working with the team and students today. We had a good afternoon and everyone seemed happy and positive. Love that!
-I love smiling and getting smiles back from other people too. I love taking the time to get to know people and ask about their days. I love taking the time to compliment or appreciate the little things. It's simple things that bring me such big joy.
-Getting work done this week! Wow, it feels SO SO SO great to be getting ahead on things!!
-Driving home from work with the windows down and music on.
-Going to THE HUB to get my bike rack back on "Tom Tom"! YESSSS BIKE season is back! Debut race of the year will be Twilight weekend! **Double joy for having new races and goals to work for!
-HOW NICE EVERYONE AT THE HUB IS ALL THE TIME! I love singing their praises because they do such a great job and service! If you need ANYTHING they will drop what ever they are doing and help. Such a great family that owns the shop and smart people working there. If you ever buy a bike, especially from Athens, I highly reccomend this crew.
-Clay texting me, "I think you're amazing." What a great brother! I appreciate him so much! LOVE!!!
-Going to Earthfare to use my 50% coupon :D Love.:Earthfare! Love: Coupons!
-Patio time and pretty weather
-Talking to my mom
-Diarmuid calling from Ireland to wish a "Happy St. Patty's" and telling me about his mum
-Getting ready for "date night" with Ash and Ni Ni
-Sleep over at 1028 with "the roomies" XOXO
-My daddy calling to say hiiiii :)

We are salt!

"You are the salt of the earth..."
-Matthew 5:13

This is our power verse for the week. Tonight we met for small group at "Little Red" and celebrated St. Patrick's Day & continued to prepare for and celebrate the coming Easter. We are diving in deeper to The Passion........ We are learning and growing...... We are living on purupose!

When people put you down, when you see bullying, when there's affliction--- it is tempting to quit or carry a mind filled with disappointment. Jesus has called us to higher worth than that. He values us more than rubies, diamonds, or pearls. He desires us to be stronger than anything else because through loving and knowing Him, we have the Holy Spirit inside us. We aren't meant to give up without a fight. We aren't meant to fight alone. When the going gets tough, remember Jesus is tougher. Believe, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it"(1 Corinthians 10!3, ESV). He knows, even when the burden seems impossibl to us, that nothing is impossible for Him (Matthew 19:26). We are limited, but God breaks down those walls!

Tonight while I, Ashley, Danielle, Rebekah, and Macy all relaxed in the living room.... talking over St. Patrick's day cookies & Irish Soda Bread.... we were filled with new cheer and gladness. It was exciting to share with the girls and connect stories and facts through the ages to life now. A man like St. Patrick "lived on purpose" and helped change the existence of faith in Ireland forever. Why? He was inspired by the renewals of his mind and heart after prayer and grace seeking through God. His transformation was made possible by the ultimate gift and sacrafice: Christ Jesus'. Jesus is the ultimate missionary. He lived on purpose. He is the purpose now.

We want to live on purpose.
So yes, tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day. Enjoy a pint of green beer in good cheer if you like. Enjoy parades, Irish Folk music, cabbage and bacon, food of all feasts, and take a picture in front of the green river if you can. Pinch those not wearing green, talk about "rainbows", "leprachauns", and "pots of gold". Don't forget the shamrocks! Even more importantly don't miss out on the REAL celebration! It is good to honor the life of St. Patrick and it is good to celebrate his good work. But don't MISS where his good work came from and WHY he did the work he did.....
St. Patrick gained trust from people by being kind, authentic with his words and actions, and willingness to be transparent.
Jesus did the same thing.
Jesus inspires, what St. Patrick felt, in many of us.
Are we living on purpose? Are we sharing the Good news?
Do we have joy that has changed us and love that has shaped us from the inside out?
Jesus, although undeserving of your grace..... thank you!
Praying in the days to come we expect big things from you, step up to the plate and accept new challenges, that we connect to you more deeply, make sacrafices and changes where necessary, and become more passionate for The Passion. All these things we ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.

HOPE

“Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
-Psalm 37:4

Received a second letter from Sertoma today regarding their continued review for my grant request to study at Gallaudet University. I'm praying, dreaming, and believing BIG! I didn't know 2 years ago this would ever be a possibility! Heck, I didn't even know a month ago this could be a possibility! God, thank you for inspiring and encouraging me. Father, thank you for putting urgency in me. Yahweh, thank you for relationships that have helped and continue to help me! Joy is coming.... because where ever you are sending me...... I' trust you. Please continue Lord to make your desires and plans known to me, in your time and in all the ways you desire of me, so I can follow and obey. I love you. ~ Your daughter

Monday, how do we stay fired up?

We can be light every day. We can be hopeful everyday. We can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

LeCrae has a powerful and amazing way of pumping up the Word!

"i know they're die'n in the streets over in the middle east.
Some kids sink in piece
others hold'n up a piece.
If the violence doesn't cease,
then at least the deceased
might know jesus as their savior as their bodies hit the streets.
And i know this is a graphic view.
And i pray that it's attack'n you.
Track'n you to act and do
what you see in the back illusion.
Mathew twenty-four and fourteen.
We should read it twice
before we think that life is just a battle
see we free in christ!
Look dawg! Life is more than church work and football!
What if you were dead and seen that christians overlooked y'all!
This is why we leave the couch
and leave the comforts of our house
to show a die'n world a god they'll probably never read about.

The great commission says make disciples of all nations.
Have we even made them in our own nation?
Come on christians!
Missions exist because worship doesn't.
People don't worship the god who made them.
We're ambassadors.
Let's go!

Send me I'll go,
send me I'll go,
send me I'll go,
lemme go lemme go!"

"Send ME, I'll GO" - Lecrae

1. This song encourages me to be a missionary (living on a mission for God and for plans much higher than my own), a disciple (dreaming Big and sharing the Gospel for the glory of Christ and abundant growth in JOY for everyone!), and a servant (I am not my own). I feel like there is a mission right here in our neighborhoods, our homes, and in every place of this earth. We need people to be passionate where ever they are on a day to day basis. And we need missionaries to go out in to to this world and spread HIS hope and Fruits! I've been curious about "how you get the call" to do work in other countries. I remember the days I started feeling the call here on our homeland. And yesterday, well in days that have been building really, I've been feeling the "go out in to more lands" calling. I want to bring people to the U.S. and I want to go out in to the U.S., and I want to leave the U.S..... perhaps that's been God's plan all along and why I've always had this inexplainable travel bug feeling. "Send me, I'll go..." (Is. 6: 1-8)

2. "Matthew twenty four and fourteen." Oh hey Matthew, there you are again. (LOVE IT!)

3. Amazed at my friends hearts who have been traveling recently for the Lord! Lauren just got home from Guat and a bunch of friends left this morning for Nica! The Passion is growing!!!

4. Thankful for the American soldiers who are less talked about, and played down Missionaries on a day to day basis. Thank you for having the passion to serve and protect. You are unsung heroes. Proudly, I support our troops. You carry on the dream of Freedom!

5. Jesus, we need you.

God, are you serious?

I've recently been so hungry for God's word. At church today, Pastor Sean Seay taught and talked to us about spritual gifts. The talk and scriptures were inspired by Ephesians 4. While listening and reflecting, I started thinking about how God may have given me spiritual gifts in my heart for learning and teaching. Craving God's wisdom, stories, and heart have led me to Matthew a lot recently. I've started smiling everytime I hear a reference or connection to The Book of Matthew, because I feel like God's just saying to me, "There it is again." I am setting a new goal and challenge today.... I want to read one chapter from Matthew a day until I finish it. Start to Finish. And by taking it piece by piece I hope that helps me to study it more fully and think about it more carefully. I also hope that takes the "Oh my gosh will I have time to do this today?" edge off and let it be. There is enough time. God is the creator of time.

Matthew 1.
When Joseph, who as preachers have described as having led a quiet and God-centered life, just wanted to marry Mary (pun-intended) and continue to do so, found out there was a change in the game plan, I wonder if he thought to himself or out loud, "God, are you serious?"

Has anyone else ever felt that before? You're working hard, going to church, praying, not killing anybody...seemingly enough, minding your own business and trying to be a good person. Can't you just marry a good person and live a good life? Or you're working hard in school and about to graduate, can't the job just find you? Or you want me to move where, God? Or don't you want me to do something bigger, God?

Lots of these thoughts can creep up on us. It's nomal.

So, there was Joseph... an angel came to him in his dreams and said, "Joseph, Son of David, do not be afraid...." Easier said than done sometimes, God! Help! And He already has made plans to do so. Every fear, doubt, worry, or anxious thought we will ever carry, God is READY and WILLING to take it. (1 Peter 5:7)

God doesn't want us to be afriad of His Will! His Will is GOOD (Romans 8:28)!

God also doesn't want us to think we aren't good enough. We are HIS! He made us! Of course we don't deserve the grace he gives! But he GIVES it to us FREELY because HE LOVES US. He chose us before we ever knew about Him! "Praise thee; For We are fearfully and wonderfully made.." (Psalm 139:14)

When the angel told Jospeh not to worry about taking Mary as his wife, the angel does not say (at least not in what I have read in the Bible or here in Matthew 1) everyone around you is going to understand "your situation" and it's about to be much easier than it was before. No, that's not what probably happened at all. In fact, in those days people, alot like they still would and do today, probably gossip policed "that situation" with a quickness. Funny how "hot gossip" then gets a rise out of people just as much as it does now. But what sets Joseph a part, just like it can set us a part too, is that he BELIEVED in God's plan and desire for him to fulfill over what people would think. He listened, heard God say "Go", and Joseph went.

GOD IS REAL and HE IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS. "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14).

Joseph did take a risk. He "grew up" and rose for the challenge. He was bold, not for himself, but for God. He said, "Yes, God take my life and let it be an offering to Your Kingdom" with his actions. No, we don't know exactly what Joseph thought, said, or did on a day to day basis. But we do know what HIStory has told us. His life did make a significant impact on each one of us even today. He helped raise Jesus as his own son on this earth! The angel said, "She will bring forth a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).

How's that for an attention grabber? But see, there! See what it's saying! That was it! Joseph probably, like all of us, at some point in his life asked God, "What is your plan for me?" And there it was! His plan was to take Mary as his wife, love her son Jesus Christ as his own, and name him Jesus.

We don't all get a dream like Joseph's that sets it so clearly from that point on. But God does have a plan for all of us! He made us on purpose and every single breath we take is on purpose.

"So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, 'GOD WITH US.'" The Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her frstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus" (Matthew 1:22-25).

Lord,
Please give us all the courage to wake up and live boldly for you every day. Please give us strength in the days to come and peace, both of which only you can truly give. Father, please make the unknown in our lives known in your time. Please give us patience while we wait. Please comfort us and please energize us. We want to know you, love you, and complete the mission you made for us. Thank you for your Son, and Jesus thank you for the new life you give us.
All this we pray and ask in Jesus' Name,
Amen.

I'm running to Your Arms....

Goodmorning!
Athens, I love you. . . . .
My body feels the "spring foward" right now.
Mmmm more sleep would be good later today.
Right now I'm practicing the song I'm signing later at Athens Church and making tea :)
It's the first Sunday of Lent & "Mini-Easter" #1.
I hope you all have a wonderful, restful, and joyful start to the day......

"FOREVER REIGN" by Hillsong United

"You are HERE
You are HERE
In your presence I'm made WHOLE (Holy).....
I'm running to Your Arms
The richess of Your Love,
Will always be enough!
Nothing compares to your embrace,
Light of the world FOREVER REIGN!"

Journey....

Saturday 3.12.11

Friends,

Sometimes, even after we commit certain teachings, scriptures, and words to our hearts and our minds, it can still be confusing or simply said hard in our hearts and minds the "why" part. It can also be difficult to discern the "how" part.

I implore you, my friends, brothers, and sisters in Christ, to join me in sharing personal thoughts that I'm tracking in my blog this season. I've always loved writing, and I'm discovering in my "adult life" that this is a gift from God.

I feel inspired and encouraged by the Spirit to want to write the wisdom and heart that I'm seeking out from Jesus and our Heavenly Father privately in my own journal. I am also feeling pushed as well as in some practical and still raw ways aloud in this other form to regularly share with you.

You can follow my blog at:
http://shetalkswithherhands.blogspot.com/

I hope you'll want to read it, but there's no pressure. This is just a way I hope as a friend and sister I can help provide any kind of encouragement to you where ever you may find yourself or even believe God and Christ to be. If you have thoughts you want to share, please do, but I just ask that ANYBODY who may read this will be respectful and considerate, as that as my goal with you always.

That being said, if you feel like there's someone else who can grow, or gain new life through reading this, then feel welcome to inviting them to following my blog too. I'm not writing in this blog for attention or for ridicule :P I'm not pushed to cry out to you for any reason that gains me fame. I want this to be fame seeking for Jesus Christ. To Him I offer all the Glory!

I honestly want to be bold for Him and I feel like trying to share this with you may really excite us all in wanting to grow with God!

The 46 days til Easter 2011 began this past Wednesday on Ash Wednesday (March 9, 2011), and the 40 days of Lent last from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday (the night before Easter). It is said not to Fast on Sundays because Sunday is always a "Day of Rest" and "The Lord's Day" and "The Sabbath". And even sweeter in the season of Lent, they are "mini-Easter" celebrations as we look foward to Easter Sunday.

I've actually read in different sources that the actual "stop" time of Lent can be Maundy Thursday, which is the Holy Thursday before Good Friday, and the day before the 3 most Holy days of the year (Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday). I am thinking now since I have not read in the Bible specifically that "Lent runs this long. Period.", that like a relationship with Jesus Christ, it's personal. You may feel called or led to experience Lent or participate in Lent in different ways.

It is personal and Matthew 6 is a great source in The Gospel that can cast vision to all of us. "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do break and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."- Matthew 6:19-21

Encouragement for Lent training and inspiration of what fasting can do: Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights before His ministry began. He was tempted by Satan and taken to the desert. You can read about this in Matthew 4: 1-11.


This can be a time you're in greater reflection of your HEART. Why is the HEART so important? "The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

We all mess up and we all are capable of sin, but there is grace stronger than any wrong we do. We are forgiven because of the life of Jesus Christ. It is hard for us a people to always understand this and even believe this. It hurts my heart and aches in my mind to feel the bondage of sin myself sometimes, and especially painful to watch and hear from others about their own bondage. Do you feel chained to anything? Do you want to break free? Do you HOPE for PEACE?

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."- II Corinthians 12:9

So, Why walk by the Spirit?
Galatians 5:22-25 says, "..the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Les us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."

Three traditional practices of Lent are said to be, "Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving (acts of charity)." I encourage you to not think of anything in these deeds as personal attention seekers because they are meant to be personally done for the Glory of God. If we want to be recognized for them, then we sacrafice humility and humbleness, and that is necessary for being closer to the Spirit.

Why Almsgiving? "The love of money is root to all kinds of evil." 1 Timothy 6:10

Believe, "You are the salt of the earth.."- Matthew 6:14
Follow, "You are light of the world..."-Matthew 6:14
Obey, "Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in the due season we shall reap (what we sow) if we do not lose heart."- Galatians 6:9

Friends, lets be brave. Lets take heart in the good of God.
"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him."- Nahum 1:7

♥ Melanie Ruth

FRIENDS

"A friend loves at all times...." - Proverbs 17:17

WIN!

*You can't measure love, at least I don't think so, and it's better that way. It's one of the things, the truest of things, that are especially valuable, because it/they surpass expectation every time.

I love the Garrard Family.
They are family.
God has surely blessed me with them.
Athens, I love you. . .
"G"'s, I love you. . .

: )

"We'll be best friends for always. I'll love your for always. Where ever I live and no matter how far that ever is, I promise you'll be a reason to "come home" and we'll be family no matter what. You, me, and Will- we're tight for life!"- me to HT, assuring him I won't move far away and forget him [I could have cried].

"But Miss Melanie, we are best BEST friends. Remember?"- HT [and then I did tear up some].