There's a new hope.

    On the way home from the Women's Retreat, listening to my Isaacs CD and thinking about how it's gonna be when I get back home. We just made it to South Carolina a few minutes ago, so I still got plenty of time to get some good thinkin' in.
    I'm thinking more on the side of the spiritual, and how can I change when I get back? I have GOT to get to know my Lord better, and that's the bottom line. I have heard so many stories this week of the faithfulness of our God and I'm overwhelmed by it. Details so intricate and perfectly designed that they could only come to be through a perfect and loving being.
    Can I trust him like that for myself?
    Can I believe that he is who he is, says what he means, and does exactly what he says he's gonna do?
    That he loves me, is preparing the way, and perfecting that which concerns me?
    Yes, I can! Why? Because his word says. Because he's showed himself faithful, and proved himself time and time again.
    'Cause he had to? No. But, because it's who he is.
    Savior.
    Defender.
    Lover of my soul.
    Redeemer of my sin.
    And, my very best friend.
   
    He's a good God. And, even when in the natural I see my battle and hopelessness in my situation I have to remind myself of the word.
    -ALL things work together for the good of those that are called according to his purpose.
    -He will perfect that which concerns me.
    -He will finish the good work he's begun in me.
    And, I have to have hope that he will confirm these and more in my life. Lukewarm isn't an option, anymore. Doubt isn't an option. Fear isn't an option.
    I so badly want to have what these women in this retreat have. Fire! Boldness! I want people to be able to think of me in the way that I think of these ladies. There's such a sweet spirit that follows many of them. A kindness that shows forth from the eyes and spreads to whoever they come in to contact with. Women who you know have met with God many a tiresome night in prayer and reading.
    God, give me a hunger like these women! For holiness. Righteousness. Communion with you.
    Help me meet you in a special way, like I've heard so many do in times past. Give me a deeper revelation of who you are, so much that it wrecks me. Change me for good, and point the desires of my heart to you God.
    You alone are worthy, and I want to serve you completely and efficiently in my generation.
    
    ...

    This has been the most peaceful retreat we've had since I started coming. Everything went so smooth, and there wasn't fussing, and no big arguments.
    The speakers brought the word in a fresh and anointed way.
    The music was anointed and really awesome!
    The services were some of the best I've seen.
    Our friend was filled with the holy ghost and spoke in tongues.
    She's a new person.
    I want that.
    This morning as I was getting prayed for by Sis.April Shepherd she said "There is a new hope."
    And, I will be holding on to that because God did not create me to be a defeated being, but a victorious one.
    There is a new hope for me.
    And, I can't wait to see how he's gonna work it all out.