The first time I shared my testimony with a large group of people - 300 people whose budgets included paying my college tuition. I remember thinking "it's my story, what can I forget?"
So with little preparation, I walked on stage - and panicked. I could not get any thoughts together, I fumbled through note cards, and I'm pretty sure I was so nervous I looked like I was doing a potty dance.
Imagine the embarrassment walking off stage, shaking the hand of the college president and going to sit with my friends - in the very back row.
I didn't realize how hard it would be to talk... about my life.
Sometimes we find ourselves in the similar situations when we talk to our Father. I used to start praying and then halfway through I would stop. I didn't like how I was talking, I was stumbling over my words, I felt clumsy, I wasn't saying what I wanted...
Maybe I felt I wasn't doing it right, or he was too important to hear me ramble like this. I don't know why it was so hard for me to just talk to Him.
Then one day while listening to one of my favorite songs, I became overwhelmed by His spirit around me. Every lyric we were singing together, to each other. I heard him speak and I felt his presence next to me. I will never forget those moments. The Lord said to me, Jamie I am always here, every word you speak means so much to me and I want more of you.
I cried so hard and for so long, until they became tears of joy. I began laughing out loud with him, and my prayers have never been the same.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
I have learned that talking to God about your life, your ideas, people you meet, things you enjoy, things you find funny... everything is important. He is not only there to take prayer requests but to be your rock, your best friend, your counselor. Anything you need Him to be, at anytime, He will be. He loves you that much.
When you can do this, you're relationship with Him will be so much more. You're understanding and desire for Him in your life will increase.
& Don't forget to say wow. Look around at His creations, how amazing he is.
Let Him know that you love Him too and your life is His.
So with little preparation, I walked on stage - and panicked. I could not get any thoughts together, I fumbled through note cards, and I'm pretty sure I was so nervous I looked like I was doing a potty dance.
Imagine the embarrassment walking off stage, shaking the hand of the college president and going to sit with my friends - in the very back row.
I didn't realize how hard it would be to talk... about my life.
Sometimes we find ourselves in the similar situations when we talk to our Father. I used to start praying and then halfway through I would stop. I didn't like how I was talking, I was stumbling over my words, I felt clumsy, I wasn't saying what I wanted...
Maybe I felt I wasn't doing it right, or he was too important to hear me ramble like this. I don't know why it was so hard for me to just talk to Him.
Then one day while listening to one of my favorite songs, I became overwhelmed by His spirit around me. Every lyric we were singing together, to each other. I heard him speak and I felt his presence next to me. I will never forget those moments. The Lord said to me, Jamie I am always here, every word you speak means so much to me and I want more of you.
I cried so hard and for so long, until they became tears of joy. I began laughing out loud with him, and my prayers have never been the same.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
I have learned that talking to God about your life, your ideas, people you meet, things you enjoy, things you find funny... everything is important. He is not only there to take prayer requests but to be your rock, your best friend, your counselor. Anything you need Him to be, at anytime, He will be. He loves you that much.
When you can do this, you're relationship with Him will be so much more. You're understanding and desire for Him in your life will increase.
& Don't forget to say wow. Look around at His creations, how amazing he is.
Let Him know that you love Him too and your life is His.
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