guess who's back?
so, several things in the last few days have really opened my eyes to the joy of the lord.
first. i went shopping with nicki yesterday. we had never planned on going to barnes and nobles, but it's hard to resist a bookstore. so we went in. and i came out with more books than i'd planned on buying. which, for the record, was none. when i got home, i started to read one of them: the five love languages, singles edition. the book isn't just about romantic or dating relationships, it's about all relationships. i've learned that there are several different ways to love people, and each person is unique in the way that they perceive and receive love best. and i got so excited to figure out what the best way to love each of my family members is and the best way to love each of my friends. and it reminded me that there's someone who loves me more than i could ever comprehend, which just filled me with joy. i'm so happy that i found this book, because the lord is in a season of teaching me about romatic love, and most importantly, his love. and i am so excited!
second: i have a new friend! and one night, we were talking via text message, and he just asked me if we could hang out and if he could hear my testimony. nobody, besides my discipler, lindsey, has ever really asked to hear it except in group settings. it's like he wants to hear it so that he can get to know me. i feel so blessed that the lord has sent me this friend who desires to know me, but to also know about me and jesus. it's oh so happy.
third: my computer is slow and takes a long time to turn on and off and load itunes, so listening to my music on my computer in the morning while i get ready [which is a new development in and of itself] is out of the question, because it just takes so darn long. so i'm forced to listen to my cds. i've recently taken a liking to matt wertz, and one of the only cds that has his music on it is a cd that my friend walter made me last semester. the first two songs are matt wertz, the next two are shawn macdonald and then the fifth one is by leeland, i think. the songs are as follows: red meets blue [which makes me think of jesus], i'm sorry mary [which makes me think of jesus a little too], take my hand [which i absolutely love so much], gravity, and sound of melodies. sound of melodies is one of my new favorites. so, while i'm getting ready, i have to be getting ready, i can't just stop and not be changing or brushing my teeth. i cut things close in an effort to get as much sleep as possible. so, even though i get to hear the song, i don't really get to enjoy it while i'm getting ready. well, i've also started listening to music when i shower. i get more of a chance to enjoy the song because i'm not rushing around getting ready or getting distracted by my reflection [i know.] and today, i had an epiphany:
solitary worship is awesome. i've always known that i connect with the lord through music, and i get a lot out of corporate worship, but i'm coming to realize that it's not corporate worship that i get a lot out of, it's just worship. but until now, i didn't really feel the freedom or desire to worship alone. and now, because of my worship alone, i feel more free in my worship at wesley.
i love joy and i love jesus.