Living a Life of Open Hands

Its almost been a week since Nick left. So, although things are not easy, I can feel God's strength. It is difficult, being away from my best friend without communication, but I am trusting God, and listening to His direction. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such great friends and family :D

Thank You all for your prayers and words of encouragement.

Something the Lord has been showing me, is something I have always known, but now am really experiencing for the first time. Living a life of open hands. Being willing to hold everything in your hand in an open position so the Lord can take it freely if He wants to. Everything we have, we are blessed with, is Gods. My family, friends, possessions etc. We need to be living a life knowing that at anytime anything can be taken because everything is on loan from God to you. Your spouse, children, family etc. Although Nick has not been taken away for good, and I am thankful for that, I am realizing how to live a life with open hands, surrendering all to Jesus, knowing that He is in control and owns everything I have. I am so blessed with many things in life and am thankful for them all. I am and will continue to live a life of open hands, knowing that God can take anything at any time. No it is not, and will not be easy when this happens, but God uses these times to force us to rely and trust Him more, and I am thankful for that.

This song has really been speaking to me, its called "Open Hands" by Matt Papa

Verse 1:
To give unselfishly, to love the least of these
Jesus i'm learning how to live with open hands
All of these treasures that i hold will never satisfy my soul
Jesus i lay it at your throne with open hands

chorus:
And i lift my hands open wide let the whole world sing
how u've loved, how you died, how you set me free!
Free at last i surrender all i am with open hands
with open hands

Verse 2:
To finally let go of my plans
These earthly kingdoms built of sand
Jesus at your cross i stand with open hands

chorus:
And i lift my hands open wide let the whole world sing
how u've loved, how you died, how you set me free!
Free at last i surrender all i am with open hands
with open hands
You took the nails and you wore the crown
You hung your head, your love poured out
You took my place and you paid the price
So Jesus now i will give my life!!!!!!!!!

chorus:
And i lift my hands open wide let the whold world sing
how u've loved, how you died, how you set me free!
Free at last i surrender all i am with open hands
Jesus i lift my hands open wide let the whole world sing
how u've loved, how you died, how you set me free!
Free at last i surrender all i am with open hands with open hands

with open hands
with open hands
with open hands

Another song is "While I'm waiting" by John Waller (many of you have prob. heard this in the movie Fireproof, great movie :) if you haven't seen it, you should)

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord

This song has really been a blessing too, because I am waiting for the exciting day when I will be able to talk to and see Nick again.

I have felt a little convicted lately, because I look forward to times in life so much, and different events, Christmas, being done with school, going to Glen Ivy with Michelle, being married,having a family, going to disneyland, it FINALLY being January so I can see Nick.... many things in life. When we are excited about something we usually tell people about them, because we can't help but share some excitement with friends and people we see. How much more should we be so excited and telling people about when we will see Jesus face to face :) Although we know when those things in life will occur, and we don't know exactly when Jesus will return, we should live each day as if today were the day, because it very well could be :)

So while we are waiting for, whatever it is in life, AND most importantly for Christ's return, we are to worship, serve and run the race with boldness and confidence.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:1-2