Christmas Murmurings :-)

Well, merry Christmas, everyone. I can't believe 2010 is ending so quickly! It's been a great year, full of ups and downs, but I'm more convinced than ever of God's goodness and faithfulness. "His mercies are new every morning," and I'm ever grateful!!

This Christmas is so different for me.... This month was crazy, and Jesus permeated it all and revealed Himself to be my ever-present help, strength, and all-sufficiency.... He is so GOOD! My family and I just got back from serving at 3 of the 5 Christmas Eve services, and they were great. My heart was overwhelmed with all of the hurting, broken people searching for truth, for hope, for peace. God is truly changing my desires and giving me such a big heart for people, which looks like that's going to be a huge part of what's in store for 2011: PEOPLE. Caring for, ministering to, doing life with PEOPLE. My spirit is excited, my soul and mind are challenged, and my body is currently resting and getting ready. Haha!

So.... my Christmas gift to you: John 1:1-18. May it crash through the monotony that can come with the Christmas season, may it shatter your religiosity and self-righteousness, may it remind you of the incredible God I serve, who loves you with a scandalous, ridiculous, extravagant, passionate love. Merry Christmas!! Love you :-)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about Him, and cried out, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because He was before me.'") And from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is at the Father's side, He has made Him known.

Confessions of a Young Person

In typical Seattle fashion, it was gray and dreary this morning; pouring rain in the afternoon, only to break into warm sunshine in the early evening. With Josh Groban’s “Awake” album in the background, sitting on my bed in my new-and-improved RA (Resident’s Assistant) room, I figured it was about time to collect some thoughts before this year officially begins and we’re off to the races!

I never thought I’d be a 2nd Year Intern, and yet here I am. And not only that, but I’m an RA as well, which is such an honor and blessing. It’s going to be very stretching, and I’m a bit nervous because I don’t know what to expect. Gratefully, I’m working with a FANTASTIC team…. I genuinely like and enjoy each person, which always makes work easy. J It’s funny because half the time I’m excited to get to meet all these new people and be there for them, and then the other half I’m terrified of what I might have to face, and if I have enough patience and grace to handle it all! Today a few of the other 2nd Years moved in and it was good seeing familiar faces and noticing how some people haven’t changed, but you still love them. J The 1st Years move in over the next 3 days, so the dorms are soon going to be PACKED out, but it’s going to be SO good.

Quite literally, over the past few hours, God’s been doing a lot in me…. I’ve been reading Jesus Manifesto by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola (PLEASE GO BUY THIS BOOK. IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. I‘M NOT EVEN JOKING.), and it’s been completely opening my mind and spirit to what I thought about Jesus, who He is, what He’s building (His Church), the part that I play….and I haven’t even finished reading it yet. But I’ve just pondering over all these things and have this intensely renewed anticipation and expectation for all God wants to do in and through me over these next 9 months. It’s a bit out of my grasp to articulate what I’m trying to explain, but it’s a good thing.

It’s funny because every resident gets a Bible verse on their name tag that’s placed on the front of their room door. The Head RAs get that job and we’ve been encouraged to practice that as well. Our Resident Director gave us RAs our individual verses, and mine for the year is 1 John 3:23: “And this is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as He has commanded us.” I didn’t like it because it sounded so simple, so generic; surely God couldn’t speak to me through something so plain! So I asked my RD and of course, she, being the incredible teacher/preacher that she is, goes on and preaches a sermon to me just off one verse! “You’re complicated,” she says, “and this verse is to remind you about what’s important….” Seeing as my schedule is going to be loaded this year with lots on my plate, keeping Jesus CENTRAL is going to be KEY to being an effective leader and squeezing every ounce of life out of these next 9 months.

I had an interesting summer; it wasn’t what I expected it to be at all. And yet in the midst of my confusion and questioning, I encountered God (or better said, God encountered me) in a way I haven’t experienced in a long time. I sowed this summer, invested it in Him, and this year I’m going to reap a harvest. I’m expecting a lot of clarity, vision, and focus from God this year. I guess a down-side to being “complicated,” or multi-faceted is that there’s an extensive list of options. But I don’t want options; I want God’s will above my own….and most of the time my own will changes with the weather! Life with God is such an adventure, and I have to keep reminding myself of that before I get depressed with details and planning. I don’t have to fear the unknown, when the One who is already there, is present with me, and dwelling within me.

And….it’s raining again. Oh, Seattle….

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers -- most of which are never even seen -- don’t you think He’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”

~ Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:30-34, The Message)

Very Short and Hopefully Sweet....

Oh man, Christmas break was great, but it's SO GOOD to be back in Interns!! I seriously missed it while I was away.

Update.... Fun Facts style! haha

• saw "the blind side" and "sherlock holmes" .... SO GOOD!!!! loved them both & hope to be like sandra bullock's character in "the blind side" when I "grow up." lol
• last sunday was AMAZING at the city church! worship was so awesome: pastor elijah led and 3 first-year interns (including myself) were on the vocal team. SO FUN! and one of us got to lead a song. everyone was so blessed by it! God is so good!
• i've started reading a page of psalms every night before bed and it's incredible how inspired david's words are! the Holy Spirit just keeps speaking to me it's awesome
• my birthday's in 10 days and i'm excited because another intern girl and i share the same birthday! so we're trying to plan something fun for everyone....
• my interview/first day on the job as a personal assistant is tomorrow.... a little nervous, but excited

I hope 2010 is already starting off well for you and yours! I'm seriously so pumped for this year, I know God's going to do big things! :-)

A Psalm for 2010

I was just kind of praying in my spirit, I guess, because I wanted to start this new year off with a psalm. Maybe because it's not part of my reading plan right now, and my worshipper's heart just loves the Psalms, I don't really know. Anyways, the Holy Spirit whispered "Psalms 34" to me, so I figured, what the heck, let's check it out. Turns out, it's SO GOOD! I've read it many times before, but it's such a great chapter to start out this new year, especially when talking about resolutions, vision, faith, etc. So, as my New Year's gift to you (lol), I've typed out Psalms 34 (ESV)- may it be a blessing to you and yours wherever you are in the world. :-)

Psalms 34
I will bless the Lord at all times;
  His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
  let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
  and let us exalt His name together!

I sought the Lord, and He answered me
  and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to Him are radiant,
  and their faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
  and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps
  around those who fear Him, and delivers them.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
  Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints,
  for those who fear Him have no lack!
The young lions suffer want and hunger;
  but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Come, O children, listen to me;
  I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
What man is there who desires life
  and loves many days, that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil
  and your lips from speaking deceit.
Turn away from evil and do good;
  seek peace and pursue it.

The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous
  and His ears toward their cry.
The face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
  to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
  and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
  and saves the crushed in spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
  but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
He keeps all his bones;
  not one of them will be broken.
Affliction will slay the wicked,
  and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
The Lord redeems the life of His servants;
  none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

Happy 2010!!

I can't believe 2009 is coming to an end so quickly! It's been such a great year covered by God's grace and beaming with His faithfulness. I'm ever-grateful! So pumped for TwentyTen and all that it holds. I'm filled with an ever-deepening "joyful anticipation" (check out Romans 8:21 MSG) for the future, for such a time as this, for the days I was created to live, experience, and influence!

My personal vision for 2010 is to truly love God and people in an even more real and authentic way, for everything else truly flows from that. It's going to be a great year! :-)

I'm so sorry I haven't gotten a chance to update this and everyone asks me what I'm actually doing, so - as a New Year's resolution of sorts - I'll try to get up a blog that actually describes what I'm doing that might clear up some things for you all. Haha!

Have a safe and happy New Year's. I truly believe 2010 is going to be a year of harvest, more than anything we've experienced thus far. Prayers are going to be answered: our unsaved loved ones are going to come to Jesus, our families are going to be healed and whole, and we're going to step into our destinies! It's going to be the Church's finest hour as we get even closer to ushering in the Return of our Glorious Savior. Stay strong and keep the faith - THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!! :-D

It's like a Vacation....

This is probably my favorite part of being an intern.... we get the whole WEEK off for Thanksgiving!!! Such a blessing. As a result, I am currently home thoroughly enjoying my queen-size bed and FREE LAUNDRY!! (haha, Gabriel!)

November has literally FLOWN by and I can't believe 2009 is coming to an end. As far as the internship goes, November has been a pretty normal month, especially compared to how October was! I've gotten to sing on the Kirkland stage twice this month and had so much fun. This Sunday was a total surprise because we got to sing with Pastor Wendy, who I've heard so much about. She has a great voice! Such an honor to sing with her, and I'm just a first-year intern!

I love the people here and am getting to know them so much better; we truly are like a big family. I have to tell this MIRACLE that God performed in one of the lives of my friend and fellow intern! Before Interns even started, we had a downpayment of $2000 or so. This lady in my friend's life said she wanted to bless her and pay for her downpayment. Of course, my friend was so grateful - God had answered her prayer! As the weeks passed, she got an email from the church's accounting office stating that the lady's payment hadn't been received so my friend now owes the $1500 or $2000. My friend had lost her job a few weeks before and had NO way to pay the money back. What's great is that this internship program and the pastors here work with us on our financial situations. They look for any reason to keep us here because they feel they are responsible for us! Even with all that in mind, they told her she'd have to leave if she didn't get enough money by the time we got off for Thanksgiving Break. She needed a miracle. So, our pastor brought the situation to all of the interns and asked that if we could give anything, it'd be greatly appreciated. But he made it clear that if we're strapped for money, it would be unwise for us to do so. For those who weren't in a financial situation, please just give the money to him, because if we don't raise enough money, he's just going to give it back to the individual people. But he also said that he's seen interns raise $5000 for several interns who were in similar situations in years past. We had about 24 hours until the deadline. HERE'S THE MIRACLE: by the end of lunch, several hundreds of dollars had been raised and by the next morning, enough had been raised so she could stay!!!! God is so faithful.... Yet again, He has taken what the Devil meant for evil and has turned it around for good!!! If that doesn't describe the local church, I don't know what does. Seriously.

As for my break, I'm looking forward to doing some sleeping, hanging out with all the friends who are also coming home, and spending time with family while eating some delicious food. I'll be at both my home churches this weekend and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone!

THANK YOU, to all of you who keep me in your prayers! It means so much and truly makes a difference in my life.

God is so good and we have SO MUCH to be thankful for! Have a fantastic Thanksgiving, everyone! :-)

A Time to Rest

Oh man, I had such a restful weekend, which was such a blessing when you consider the CRAZY past 3 weeks we've had. I slept in super late yesterday and just kind of relaxed until I went to some church stuff that night. Then I was up quite early this morning because I'm now in the media track for the next 2 months! So I got to operate an actual camera today, and they said I actually did a good job. Who knew? Haha!

God's given me SUCH favor here in the music department, and the creative arts pastor asked if I'd be a part of the gospel group he's putting together. I agreed, and another first-year intern from New York is also in it. (Her voice is beautiful!!) Thursday was our first rehearsal and it went really well. We just got to know each other and worked on a couple songs we'll be performing. Our first "performance" or whatever is Nov. 15, which is also the week I'm scheduled to sing so it should be good! If you're not doing anything, you should come down - it'll be fun. :-)

I've been talking to other interns and everyone is saying that our year/class is so different from last year's. Especially as far as musicians are concerned, they've never had a first-year class so talented. So many of us have already been on a Sunday worship team at one of the church's 6 campuses - so exciting! We're being utilized and leading right from the get-go.... which is so cool considering that I expected to not lead at all for the 9 months I'm going to be here. I was willing to give it up and go "undercover," if you will, and just learn and be kind of "faceless." But God had other plans, and He just keeps surprising me! And not just me, but other interns as well. We totally came to this internship willing to serve, learn, and grow, without ever stepping foot onto a stage. But God is so faithful, and He gives us the desires of our hearts when we delight in Him! It's exciting to see His plans unfold. :-)

Thanksgiving Break is the last week of November and it'll be so nice to go home, see family and friends and have homecooked meals! Haha!

Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support. You can follow me on Facebook and Twitter (www.twitter.com/feleshaaa) to stay up-to-date on what's happening. If you have any questions, just comment this or contact me on Facebook. The internet is so useful! :-) Praying blessings over you all in your spheres of life! God bless!!!