I Will Rise ( Chris Tomlin, 2008)

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise, I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise, I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise, I will rise

Point Break (Keanu Reeves, Patrick Swayze, 1991)

I can't exactly explain why, but I feel like I'm on the precipice of a spiritual breakthrough or miracle. Lately, it seems I'm very aware of the Lord working in my life and am seeking Him more each day. I'm reminded of a song by one of my favorite gospel artists, Israel Houghton. The chorus says: "I will search for you and I will find you. I will find you, with all my heart. I will lift my hands to you in worship, I will worship, with all my heart."

Thinking of those lyrics reminds me of Hebrews 11:6. It reads: "But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God, must believe that He is, and He is a rewarder of those that dilligently seek Him." In the original biblical language, the word dilligently comes from the Hebrew word, ekzeteo. It implies worshipping God, searching him out, demanding His presence, investigating Him, and seeking Him out carefully. Oh Lord, that's right where I've found myself lately. But, more importantly, I know that's the place God has always been. He's never taken His eyes off me. He's always searched me out and demanded my presence.

So, I don't know what this breakthrough will look like or when it will occur. But, I know it will be something awesome because the Lord rewards those who seek Him. The Chris Tomlin song, God of This City, says it best.

Tortilla Soup (Hector Elizondo, 2001)

So, today we're having Enchilada casserole. Being the super mom I am, I decided to "stay on top of things" by preparing dinner this afternoon. I had all my ingredients nicely lined up--including an open can of Enchilada sauce that sat on the counter. I proceeded to do my cooking thing when my cute little curious toddler son walks up to me and smiled. I returned his smile. Then he turned to begin pacing the kitchen.

Suddenly, I hear a spill. I turn around to find Enchilada sauce all over my kitchen floor and my son. Forgetting he can reach anything on the counter--unless it's pushed to the back--I left that can just within his grasp. Of course, he had to grab it and try to take a drink.

I cleaned up my son then moved to the floor. As I cleaned, I couldn't prevent myself from murmuring and complaining the entire time. After all, this TOTALLY interrupted my plan to stay "on top of things." Now, I have to stop cooking and go to the store for more Enchilada sauce!

Suddenly, I began reflecting on my last grocery shopping trip. I remembered standing in that Mexican food aisle for about five minutes trying to talk myself out of purchasing two cans of Enchilada sauce. I even put one can back on the shelf and walked away. But, for some reason, I had to go back and get it. Do you understand how crazy I thought I was being at the time? I knew my recipe only called for one can and had no idea why I felt literally compelled to get two cans. But, as I kneeled there on my hands and knees with red sauce all around me, I couldn't help but thank God for His omniscience. I believe it was Him in that aisle nudging me to get that second can.

Maybe you think it's crazy that I see God at work in the midst of my enchilada sauce spill. But, I'm learning everyday that His hand is always upon me. His spirit lives within me. So, I thank Him for caring--even in the small things--and proving that He's always looking out for me.

Return of the Jedi (Mark Hamill, 1983)

Okay, so I'm not a Jedi. But, I had to think of some title w/ a Welcome Back message. Yes, Sassy Girl has done it again...

I disappeared from the blog world. But, never fear, life is good! God is great! I've been spending a lot of time in the Word and just reflecting on life. It's brought about a revival in me and a return to what's truly important in my life: Jesus! It's helped me realize that I want to be a Jedi Jesus Girl! Don't worry. I'm not going to change the name of this blog. But, I may have to add a subtitle.

So, what's a Jedi Jesus Girl?

She draws near to God.
She has accepted Christ as her Savior and has been brought near through His blood. Her soul thirsts and longs for the Lord as the deer pants for the water. She doesn't settle for the mediocre Christian life, but strives to excellently worship and serve the Lord with all her heart, all her mind, and all her soul! (1 Ch. 16:11; Psa 42:1; Deut. 4:29, 6:5; Eph. 2:13)

She is full of Faith!
Not only does she believe in God, she's crazy enough to believe Him! She knows that EVERY word from the mouth of God is truth. It is HIS unchanging unwavering truth--not man's relative truth--that sets us free. The Word of God is hidden deep in her heart to hold her from sin. (Psa 119:11; John 8:32, 17:17)


She's powerful!
This girl walks in the power and authority of Christ. She can say "Move" to a mountain and it will move. Like Jesus (because His spirit lies in her), she can cast out unclean spirits, speak healing & peace, and reclaim everything the enemy tries to take from her. (Deut. 11:24; Matt. 17:20; Luke 4:36)

She walks in the Spirit!
Fully equipped in the armor of God and operating in the fruit of the spirit, a Jedi Jesus girl lays down selfish lusts and desires. She no longer majors in the minor insignificant things of life. For, she has crucified her flesh and knows that the abundant life is not just about the tangible. It's about those intangible attributes and blessings promised in the Word of God. Daily, she prays to the Lord seeking more than just blessings & answers to her problems, she prays to grow closer to the Lord and hear His voice. She operates in a spirit of prayer that isn't limited to her kneeling down for a few moments a day. (Rom. 8:26; Gal. 5:22-26; Eph. 6:11-18)

She obeys the Lord!
Even if she doesn't understand where the Lord is taking her, a Jedi Jesus girl, follows the Lord. She obeys Him, recognizing that it's through obedience that she will grow and be blessed. More than that, she knows that her obedience is the ultimate sign of her love for the Lord and belief in who He is! She's moved beyond the lip service of having a theology that does not match her reality. (Deut. 12:28, 28:1-2; John 14:15, 15:10)

Let's go into that land...the land of the Jedi Jesus Girls!!