YOUR story...

... is powerful. Your story, my story, is real. People connect with one another because of story's. As Christians, "our stories" are also known as "testimonies."
Oh man, churchy words. So intimidating sometimes...
Testimonies. I have always seen them as a super scary, on the spot sort of thing. Up until recently, I didn't feel like I had the nerve or reason to share mine. Or maybe I had just convinced myself I never got the opportunity. Either way, FEAR or lack of opportunity is a lame excuse to not reach out to people. There is always someone to share your story with... whether it's a friend, family member, stranger at the store, another surfer out in the water, etc.

Something that has been a helpful tip to me- Find common ground.
"Hey I like those shoes. I have some kinda like that..."
"That's my favorite cereal. Nice choice..."
"I like your skateboard."

OK, cheesy...
WHATEVER! It helps bunches to get a conversation flowing. It is the key to facilitating these opportunities. I have to step out side myself and express interest in somebody else, besides ME. Seems basic, but I really struggle with this. I get so focused on Haley and what I have to do, that I completely lose sight of my purpose. To be the hands and feet of Jesus... in real life. Not just when I am on a stage singing.

More and more I am realizing THIS: There are people everywhere that are dying to know there is hope. Being a new creation is Christ and being in a relationship with the Almighty God, I carry that hope with me where ever I go. I carry this light, a reflection of who God is. Sometimes people can just see it and are drawn to it, BUT sometimes we have to open ourselves up, be vulnerable, and step out for people to see it. I like it when God makes it easy and it is the first option :)... but as I grow and develop it seems the second choice is the popular one.

It's tough stuff. I get so frustrated with me. Some days I am fired up to connect and spread this joy the Lord's goodness fills me with... and then there are other days when I just want to isolate and seem to forget how good God has been. How can I forget?! But i do. Man, oh man...

Lord,
You are so worthy of my praise. Forgive me when I forget who You are. It's in this place I fall into sin, settle, and become complacent being distant from You. This is the TRUTH- When I remember who You are, I remember who I am. Who you have called me to be. Father let Your light shine down on me, through me. No matter what today or tomorrow brings... No matter what the circumstances are... Let me be a reflection of Your love. Fill me to the point I overflow with stories of how You saved me. Of how You continue to save me. Unbutton my lips, despite my unwillingness... Use me to reach those You want to reach. Teach my heart to be more like Yours.

<3

*h.