Ask Seek Knock
Many people have been asking me how I finally made the decision to move to Alabama. Well it was a long hard process...100% As the Lord leads. Such a BIG decision must be handled with much care and thought. I did not want to make an impulsive decisions and I especially did not want to be walking in Malorie's will...no, no. I wanted to make sure I was in God's will, as Malorie's will is not a safe place to be but God's will is THE safest place I could ever be. So in order to truly know it was God's will for me to move across the country, I had to "ask, seek, knock" prayerfully. Bottom line, I had to take everything to God in prayer and petition, seek His word, Ask Him personally, and keep persistently pursuing His Truth and plan for me. I seriously went on a treasure hunt in the Bible, seeking knowledge of His will for me the power to carry that out. Prayer and meditation and reflection...I did not take this lightly by any means. Obedience and reverence of the Lord came in very handy. Also quieting down and listening. Not listening to all the noise and voices of the world and it's people...but honing in on the ONE true voice. Honing in on the TRUTH...on THE WAY.
I got together with a friend and shared some of my findings. She shared some verses with me that she thought might help in my decisions making process. I literally took verse after verse and picked them apart, making them personalized for my very situation. For instance: Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you will be able to test and approve God's will." If I were to stay in California what patterns of this world would I be conforming to? If I were to move what patterns of the world would I be conforming to? Is the decision fear driven or faith driven? Patterns: approval addiction, people pleasing, fear of failure, plain old fear, comfort zone vs. leap of faith...etc. Hopefully this is not too confusing and you get the point.
Essentially I was at the crossroads for quite sometime before I truly knew God's will. It took me about five months to make the final decision. I finally got really serious as I was tired of the lingering limbo of my life and wanted some peace. "The peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind" Phil. 4:7. I knew I had to dig deeper and knock harder if I wanted to get an answer. You know you are at a crossroads when there is no underlying peace within you about going left OR right. Staying in Cali had no peace and moving to Bama had not peace...thus I was at the crossroads waiting for the signal of which way to go. I analyzed Jeremiah 6:16 "The Lord said, 'stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where THE GOOD WAY is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." Well that pretty much says it all. I broke it down though. At the crossroads, I looked left (cali) and right (Alabama). I asked for the ancient paths (the tried and true paths of the desert mother and fathers, the first disciples). I searched for the good WAY (He is THE WAY) and then got up and walked in it. But only after the renewing of my mind could I know the will of God and test and approve His WAY. I had to be somewhat of a monk in a monastery for a week and just hole up and quiet down. Take myself out of the world and into HIS Word.
"Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" Joshua 1:7-9
Afraid or not I picked up my mat and walked with God. I will go anywhere with you daddy! God is my spiritual Father. I will follow Him anywhere he leads me.
"Peter said to him, 'We have left all we had to follow you!' I tell you the truth,' Jesus said to them, 'no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come-eternal life." Luke 18:28-29
Two more scripture that played a key role:
No prophet is accepted in his hometown. Luke 4:24
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19
And believe me there were many many more...this is just the tip of the iceberg. So you see, it was a very long process between me and God. At the end of the day He is the ultimate authority. He finally gave me the underlying peace, I was not longer at the crossroads, I finally had an answer from God himself. Malorie's choice was obviously much more comfortable, but God's choice gives true peace. Comfort is fleeting, but true peace from God cannot be taken from you or swayed by this world's madness and chaos. Even in all the chaos and fears of the journey here, I survived it because the peace of God was the solid rock I was standing on. It cannot be moved. He is in the eye of the storm and the calm of the sea. "There's a raging sea right in front of me wants to pull me in, bring me to my knees, so let the waters rise if you want them to, I will follow you, I will follow YOU."
Monthly Supporters
Maly from Cali
The weather here is a little bipolar...one minute it was sunny and then next I was stuck in the middle of a thunderstorm (lightening and all). As I sit here in the living room, I smile as I remember dancing for an hour along to some fun music with Casey just last Friday. Oh boy my inner child loved that! "Dancing like no one is watching," is truly good for the soul. Actually I do that often with my ipod on, blasting worship music. It is fun to dance for God...it is an act of worship.
I met with an amazing woman of God today...Connie : ) She is such a strong leader and wonderful friend and sister in Christ. I got to spend the whole day with her, although time flew because we were having fun. She fires me up, spurs me on...iron sharpening iron. Friends like that are to be cherished. Memorial day weekend is gonna be fun. Probably help Gabby with her move, going to a BBQ or two and church on Sunday with more fellowship and friends. I feel blessed to even have one place to go let alone several this weekend. It is unusual to be a newbie (new kid on the block) and to already have a life...or at least the start of one.
I definitely feel like the freshman foreign exchange student from California...haha. It is challenging to be the new kid but challenging in a good way. It is teaching me a lot about myself and helping me to grow into a stronger and more independent woman. It is also helping me to focus on being a God-pleaser rather than a people-pleaser. We can never please everyone, it is impossible...my goal is to please God. He is the ultimate authority.
The homesickness has not been unbearable, but I have had my sob-fests in the bathroom or in my room. The skype date with my mom and nichole the other night really helped though. It was so nice to see their beautiful faces and smile at them. It made all the difference. I do not feel as homesick or far away. Love you all! Thank you for sharing this journey with me!
I met with an amazing woman of God today...Connie : ) She is such a strong leader and wonderful friend and sister in Christ. I got to spend the whole day with her, although time flew because we were having fun. She fires me up, spurs me on...iron sharpening iron. Friends like that are to be cherished. Memorial day weekend is gonna be fun. Probably help Gabby with her move, going to a BBQ or two and church on Sunday with more fellowship and friends. I feel blessed to even have one place to go let alone several this weekend. It is unusual to be a newbie (new kid on the block) and to already have a life...or at least the start of one.
I definitely feel like the freshman foreign exchange student from California...haha. It is challenging to be the new kid but challenging in a good way. It is teaching me a lot about myself and helping me to grow into a stronger and more independent woman. It is also helping me to focus on being a God-pleaser rather than a people-pleaser. We can never please everyone, it is impossible...my goal is to please God. He is the ultimate authority.
The homesickness has not been unbearable, but I have had my sob-fests in the bathroom or in my room. The skype date with my mom and nichole the other night really helped though. It was so nice to see their beautiful faces and smile at them. It made all the difference. I do not feel as homesick or far away. Love you all! Thank you for sharing this journey with me!
Giving what was so graciously given to me : )
"A friend loves at all times" Proverbs 17:17.
Enjoyed a meeting here this morning : ) Spent lots of good quiet time with the Lord this morning during my prayer and meditation. I knew I had to get armored up for the day ahead. My first day without Casey here and lots to do. Sadness. But the Lord kept me real busy today which was such a blessing! I was able to get out of self and be of service for a friend. My friend Gabby just bought her first house here and I helped her pack and move all day. It was humid and hot today so we were sweating up a storm. It was quite a good workout. About five hours worth of moving...we just blasted worship music and made it fun. I finally got to see her house and it is magnificent! Wow! The houses here are much more affordable than in Cali. I am happy to report that a huge mansion (well 4-5 bedrooms) here starts at about 100,000. Hers is a little more because it has all the bells and whistles and is in a community called Ross Bridge (Hoover, Alabama) ...google it...gorgeous! Anyhow, it felt great to give back what God has so faithfully given me throughout my move...love, service, help and support. "You can only keep what you give away...give LOVE." Aww love...the gift that keeps giving.
I just got home and I am wiped out. Long day. It actually feels really nice to just sit in my room quietly and write. MY ROOM...that is a new and awesome concept. If you know me, then you know why ; ) Alone is not so scary, because I am never really alone, God is always with me. I feel like I just sat down for the first time in two weeks haha. Not literally but I have been surrounded by people almost every second for the last couple weeks. God surrounded me with wonderful amazing people that I love and I have no doubt that he will continue to take care of me in that way. Don't get me wrong tho, every morning no matter where I was in the country or how many people were around, I still made time for God. Each and every morning I share private time with Him. I brought my Bible with me, made my cup of tea and talked my way through this whole trip with Him each morning. "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness." I have my priorities straight on this one...always! God first, everything else falls beautifully into place second.
I don't think I have ever gotten closer to God or relied more upon Him than in this last month of my life. I have come to truly understand the word surrender, and faith. I pray that my faith shall continue to be my eyes...being sure of what I hope for and certain of what I do not see. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal. That is my prayer for all of us!
I just have to say that I love how my roomate respects and honors my quiet time with the Lord and also my boundaries. That is a big one, and something not to be taken for granted. I know God brought us together for many reasons...I am excited to find out more...more will be revealed. Also excited to see all the levels of what God is going to do through me here in Alabama...with each passing day I am seeing more clearly that there is a MUCH bigger plan than just Malorie moving to Alabama. No, no...this is for the saving of many lives and for God's almighty purposes. It is all predestined and preordained by Him. More will always be revealed if you will look earnestly. "Ask, Seek, Knock" with all your heart. Seek the Lord with all your heart and shall find Him.
Enjoyed a meeting here this morning : ) Spent lots of good quiet time with the Lord this morning during my prayer and meditation. I knew I had to get armored up for the day ahead. My first day without Casey here and lots to do. Sadness. But the Lord kept me real busy today which was such a blessing! I was able to get out of self and be of service for a friend. My friend Gabby just bought her first house here and I helped her pack and move all day. It was humid and hot today so we were sweating up a storm. It was quite a good workout. About five hours worth of moving...we just blasted worship music and made it fun. I finally got to see her house and it is magnificent! Wow! The houses here are much more affordable than in Cali. I am happy to report that a huge mansion (well 4-5 bedrooms) here starts at about 100,000. Hers is a little more because it has all the bells and whistles and is in a community called Ross Bridge (Hoover, Alabama) ...google it...gorgeous! Anyhow, it felt great to give back what God has so faithfully given me throughout my move...love, service, help and support. "You can only keep what you give away...give LOVE." Aww love...the gift that keeps giving.
I just got home and I am wiped out. Long day. It actually feels really nice to just sit in my room quietly and write. MY ROOM...that is a new and awesome concept. If you know me, then you know why ; ) Alone is not so scary, because I am never really alone, God is always with me. I feel like I just sat down for the first time in two weeks haha. Not literally but I have been surrounded by people almost every second for the last couple weeks. God surrounded me with wonderful amazing people that I love and I have no doubt that he will continue to take care of me in that way. Don't get me wrong tho, every morning no matter where I was in the country or how many people were around, I still made time for God. Each and every morning I share private time with Him. I brought my Bible with me, made my cup of tea and talked my way through this whole trip with Him each morning. "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness." I have my priorities straight on this one...always! God first, everything else falls beautifully into place second.
I don't think I have ever gotten closer to God or relied more upon Him than in this last month of my life. I have come to truly understand the word surrender, and faith. I pray that my faith shall continue to be my eyes...being sure of what I hope for and certain of what I do not see. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal. That is my prayer for all of us!
I just have to say that I love how my roomate respects and honors my quiet time with the Lord and also my boundaries. That is a big one, and something not to be taken for granted. I know God brought us together for many reasons...I am excited to find out more...more will be revealed. Also excited to see all the levels of what God is going to do through me here in Alabama...with each passing day I am seeing more clearly that there is a MUCH bigger plan than just Malorie moving to Alabama. No, no...this is for the saving of many lives and for God's almighty purposes. It is all predestined and preordained by Him. More will always be revealed if you will look earnestly. "Ask, Seek, Knock" with all your heart. Seek the Lord with all your heart and shall find Him.
Last Night, Casey's departure, new chapter
Last night was incredible! Still coming down from the spiritual high . Casey and I sat front row (and I mean front and center) at the Basement. Worshipping together, singing, dancing, laughing...amazing! Matt Pitt was on fire! I got to go backstage with the band and then they brought me up on stage after worship. It blew my mind that they would put me up on stage again! Me?!?!?! God uses the most unlikely people in the most unlikely places. I am honored and humbled by this warm reception from the Basement family and by God's faithful love! Last night was definitely the grand finale to this journey with Casey. Today is her last day : ( I know the homesickness will kick in the minute I make my departure at the airport and make my back to my new home. Luckily I have a wonderful roommate and also a fabulous group of girls that I can lean on from the Basement.
I am so grateful for this time I did get to share with my sister Casey on this crazy adventure that I will never ever forget. I know it has changed my life forever, and I am sure it has changed hers as well. Lots of healing, introspection, reflection, growth...and sooo much more! It brought tears to my eyes to watch her worshipping last night, among the thousands of other fired up Jesus lovers! Yes I said it...Jesus lovers! Well we love the Lord don't we?!? And we are loud and proud, unashamed! I am so thankful because my mom and my grandparents got to see the whole service last night on thebasementonline.com. It was streaming live while I was on stage. How awesome, to get to share this experience with them : ) My mom even said she felt like she was right there with me, I definitely felt her presence and her heart. Cant wait till she comes out here at the end of July...woo hoo!
Looking forward to my first leadership meeting as an official leader, on Monday. Can't wait to start serving the Lord. All the glory to Him!
I am so grateful for this time I did get to share with my sister Casey on this crazy adventure that I will never ever forget. I know it has changed my life forever, and I am sure it has changed hers as well. Lots of healing, introspection, reflection, growth...and sooo much more! It brought tears to my eyes to watch her worshipping last night, among the thousands of other fired up Jesus lovers! Yes I said it...Jesus lovers! Well we love the Lord don't we?!? And we are loud and proud, unashamed! I am so thankful because my mom and my grandparents got to see the whole service last night on thebasementonline.com. It was streaming live while I was on stage. How awesome, to get to share this experience with them : ) My mom even said she felt like she was right there with me, I definitely felt her presence and her heart. Cant wait till she comes out here at the end of July...woo hoo!
Looking forward to my first leadership meeting as an official leader, on Monday. Can't wait to start serving the Lord. All the glory to Him!
Home sweet home Alabama
It has been such a sweet welcome home so far : ) I am getting settled in quite nicely. But the journey was not easy...my pilgrimage to Alabama was anything but smooth. Not that I expected it to be...my walk with God is not a bump-less road, but full of growth, freedom and lessons. I would not recommend driving across the country in a tiny Eclipse, with your whole life and your best friend crammed in it. Haha funny visual. Casey and I dodged several tornadoes along the way in Texas and Mississippi. Wwe drove through some pretty scary ghost towns all by ourselves, after driving back to back nine hours days and staying at little hotels along the way. It sure felt like survival and was an eye opening experience and an adventure to say the least. We stopped in Roswell, New Mexico which was a little creepy and then headed through Texas trying to avoid the crazy weather. Weatherchannel.com was our new best friend. We almost re-routed to Oklahoma but luckily I listened to my gut instinct and my grandfathers advice and steered clear of Oklahoma. Thank God, because thirteen tornadoes hit the very next day. After driving through some crazy thunderstorms we finally arrived on Thursday night to my new home sweet home. And oh how sweet it was! It was that much sweeter, having just gone all of that on our journey here. Luke 18:9-20. We left all we had and followed God. Stripped of every comfort, we truly have to rely on God and our relationship with Him goes that much deeper and stronger. As hard as it was, I wouldn't change it for the world. "I find the journey hard but it's the reason I was born."
Now that I am all unpacked and moved in, Casey and I are having fun decorating. She has been helping me sooo much! She is staying until Wednesday. We may be serving together at a Basement event this weekend. How fun! I love my new roomate...her name is Jaime. She had my whole room ready with the bed and tv and beautiful bedspread and curtains with a little welcome home sign on the door. She folded some towels on both sides of the bed one for me and one for Casey with our favorite magazines and snacks on each side. It was soo thoughtful and sweet. She even had hangers in the closet and some of my favorite grocery's in the fridge for me. Some of the girls from the Basement are coming over tonight to see my new home and Casey and I are going to church together on Sunday and then over to my girlfriend Gabby's house after for lunch and hanging out by the pool. Things have been so busy and all the girls have been so sweet that I haven't had much time to be homesick...God's grace for sure! God has been protecting and covering Casey and I on this whole journey! It has been a journey of growth, healing and love so far. We have had some amazing conversations about God and spirituality. She said the most amazing thing to me after she journaled last night. She said that she has been watching me on this whole road trip and just taking it all in and that it is truly beautiful to see Malorie spread her wings and fly. WOW!
Now that I am all unpacked and moved in, Casey and I are having fun decorating. She has been helping me sooo much! She is staying until Wednesday. We may be serving together at a Basement event this weekend. How fun! I love my new roomate...her name is Jaime. She had my whole room ready with the bed and tv and beautiful bedspread and curtains with a little welcome home sign on the door. She folded some towels on both sides of the bed one for me and one for Casey with our favorite magazines and snacks on each side. It was soo thoughtful and sweet. She even had hangers in the closet and some of my favorite grocery's in the fridge for me. Some of the girls from the Basement are coming over tonight to see my new home and Casey and I are going to church together on Sunday and then over to my girlfriend Gabby's house after for lunch and hanging out by the pool. Things have been so busy and all the girls have been so sweet that I haven't had much time to be homesick...God's grace for sure! God has been protecting and covering Casey and I on this whole journey! It has been a journey of growth, healing and love so far. We have had some amazing conversations about God and spirituality. She said the most amazing thing to me after she journaled last night. She said that she has been watching me on this whole road trip and just taking it all in and that it is truly beautiful to see Malorie spread her wings and fly. WOW!
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