This year, I looked at it a little differently and wanted to celebrate those I love so dearly. So, we kicked off Valentine's at the start of February, making Valentine's for our whole family, celebrating a different family member each day. Then, we spent yesterday up at the Newport Aquarium. While it was a little too crowded, it was fun watching you boys take in all the fish around you. I look forward to taking you back on a week day, when it's a little less overwhelming with people so you can get the full experience. Wiley, you were so brave and wanted to get up as close as possible to the glass (as far as licking some of it -- gross!). You even touched a starfish and attempted to touch a shark, but couldn't reach. Ryan, you were a little more timid, especially of the bigger sharks, but you warmed up as the day went on.
Sunday, we celebrated Valentine's Day at church for a PJ / movie day party! Together we watched War Room. I found myself wanting to frantically take notes during the movie, to get up during the movie and go begin building my War Room. It was such a reflective movie. I don't know if I've ever seen a movie that has more powerfully impacted me than this one. A movie that lit a fire in me to cause change instantly in my life.
As Miss Clara ended the movie with her final prayer, I could have sobbed. I wanted to pump my fist into the air and shout, "Amen!!" She urged the Lord as she prayed, " Guide me to who you want me to help, raise up more that will call upon your name. Raise up those that love you and seek you and trust you. Raise them up Lord raise them up. Lord we need a generation of believers who are not ashamed of the gospel. We need an army of believers, Lord that hate to be lukewarm and will stand on your word above all else. Raise them up, Lord Raise them up. I pray for unity among those that love you. I pray that you open their eyes so that they can see your truth Lord. I pray for your hand of protection and guidance. Raise up a generation Lord that will take light into this world... That will not compromise when under pressure... That will not cower Lord when others fall away. Raise them up Lord that they will proclaim that there is Salvation in the name of Jesus Christ. Raise up Warriors Lord who will fight on their knees...Who will worship you with their whole hearts, Lord. Lord call us to battle that we may proclaim you King of Kings and Lord of Lords! I pray these things with all my heart! Raise them up Lord! Raise them up! AMEN."
We didn't have time for testimony today, but I so thank God for our day in church today. I thank Him for the discernment my dad used to know that our mission needed this movie today. I thank Him for shaking my soul today. I think Miss Clara used some form of the phrase, "Raise them up," ten times in her prayer. Today I shout, "Raise me up, Lord! I no longer want to be lukewarm for your service. I want to go to war for you Lord. I want to fight for you Lord." It's so easy to slip into the routine of our day to day lives. It's so easy to get caught up in the things that "have to be done." But how much of my time do I spend watching TV? Reading my books? Playing games on my gadgets? It's time I focus on what this life is all about. I truly felt like my life was changing during that two hour movie, and for that I am thankful! It's time to go to war!
Valentine's Day may be a "made-up" holiday, but I sure did love celebrating so many different types of love this weekend: a deep love for my family, a love for your Daddy that just continues to grow stronger, a love for this life we have created, and a love for Christ that I refuse to let remain lukewarm. Raise us up, Lord, raise us up!
No comments:
Post a Comment