Awaken.

"Just let my heart be alive -Let me be living deep, deep on the inside."

These are the words to a Misty Edwards song that perfectly encompasses this breakthrough I've been feeling needs to happen in my heart. I feel like I've been taking and selfish, but I want to give of my whole heart - selflessly. For me to be in a place where I can give, I need to be able to offer something.

I feel like I have nothing...

That's where Jesus comes in. :)

His love has set me free...

Now, what will I do with that freedom!

I will offer vulnerability, truth, and love – through Christ who strengthens me.

Wow.

I just picked up The Sacred Romance this morning.

The very first quote reads,

“Thirsty hearts are those whose longings have been wakened by the touch of god within them.” – A.W. Tozer

I feel this desperate longing to break out of my mundane dragging. These past few days have been characterized by shades of gray, but my deepest desire is to live with PASSION. Fire in my bones - for His Spirit kindles my heart.

When you enter into the presence of God, fears are displaced, humility enters your heart and you begin to walk - TRULY FREE.

I long to be operating in His grand adventure that is both inside and outside. That intrinsic knowing that I was created for this moment – this very breath. The constant journey of finding more of who He is and who I am created to be. The outer adventure of advancing His kingdom, following his heart, pursuing mystery.

mm.

Delve. Deep. Discover.

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When I was with Hannah the other day, we drove through Starbucks for Venti Passion fruit Lemonades with Strawberries. (Hilarious.)

Now, everybody knows, when you roll up, the “Starbucks voice” offers you something special that you politely decline and then continue with your order. Well - we rolled up to the speaker and, Hannah’s windows being manual, we missed the voice’s greeting. Hannah looked at me, smiled, and then said loudly, “No thanks.” We both about died from laughter.

So here we are laughing our butts off while this gal is waiting for us to order. We squeezed out what we wanted, then pulled up to the window. Hannah was really friendly with this girl, asked her how her day was going, and then engaged her and another guy working there by saying, “You wanna hear what was so funny?” She proceeded to tell them our funny window story and they laughed too!

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Hannah opened herself and allowed other people into our amusement. She explained that she has been really inspired by her brother and the way he engages people… even people he doesn’t know. Both parties are so enriched by an experience like that! So many times, I’m stuck in “Me” mode, and I don’t take the time or energy to be vulnerable with people. Often, it’s much easier to mask your true heart than to open up and be real. Engage the waitress at Dennys, ask the people at the bank what’s new in their life, or just go up to random people, meet them, and bless them!

As “boat races” and “fair” season approaches, I’m remembering the openness with which I operated in. It’s so humble, and so inviting. Let’s do it like Jesus did and welcome people in. Just love on them.

Man, I’ve got so much to write about regarding this subject. I think I’ll do a part two soon. Look for my next post.

Sneak Peek: Authentic worship and where our hearts come into play. Prophetic words and ministry... hmm. We’ll see what God does.

:)

Awaken.

- Jess <><