I am all that He says I am...

Well, it's been a totally stressful week in the life of Sarah Herring! With a huge project looming over my head all week, I was feeling not up to par. I didn't feel that I was really good enough to complete the project, that I wasn't creative enough, that my lessons weren't going to be as good as everyone's, the list can literally go on.  Tuesday night at cell group (aka: best cell group ever!), Taylor did the word on who we are in Christ. Earlier this month, I had the absolute privilege to see Kari Jobe in concert. Being the concert obsessor that I am, it really takes a lot for me to be blown away, and boy, did the Holy Spirit do it! To this date it has been one of the most Spirit lead nights of my life (aside from the prayer tunnel Wednesday night in NOLA this spring break! Holla!!). Anyway, she sang an absolutely beautiful song over her audience and I really took it to heart. Unfortunately, I can't find it anywhere, but here are some of the lyrics:

"I am all that He says that I am

Chains are broken

Scales are on the floor

Truth is spoken

I'm no orphan anymore..."

Powerful, right? Well, I made a list that I was reminded of tonight (and Tuesday) for times when I don't feel good enough. I am everything that God says that I am. Everything. Not just some picking and choosing, but everything! So, if you're feeling a little broken or like you're not good enough here is some good ole fashioned encouragement straight from the source of joy!

I Am Everything He Says I Am! And He Says I Am

•  Made in his image- Genesis 1:27
• Never Alone- Genesis 28:15
• Known- Psalm 139: 1; Jeremiah 1:5
• Fearfully and Wonderfully Made- Psalm 139:14
• Thought About Psalm 139: 17-18 
• Beautiful-Psalm 45: 11; Song of Songs 4:7
• White as Snow- Isaiah 41:8-9
• A covenant for the people Isaiah 42:6-7
• Redeemed- Isaiah 43:1; Gal. 3:13
• Not forgotten- Isaiah 49:15-16
• Comforted- Isaiah 66:13
• Set Apart- Jeremiah 1:5
• Planned for- Jeremiah 29:11
• Delighted in; Rejoiced and Sung over- Zephaniah 3:17
• Forgiven- Matthew 6:14
• Loved- John 3:16; Romans 5:8
• Alive in Christ- Romans 6:4
• Adopted/Children of God- Romans 8: 15-17; Ephesians 1:4; 1 John 3:1-3
• Called; Justified; Glorified- Romans 8:30
• New Creation- 2 Corinthians 5:17
• Not our own- 1 Corinthians 6:19
• Free- 2 Corinthians 3:17
• God's Workmanship- Ephesians 2:10
• Chosen people; Royal priesthood; Holy nation- 1 Peter 2:9
• Cared for- 1 Peter 5:7
• Restored; Strong; Firm; Steadfast- 2 Peter 5;10
• Pure- 1 John 3:3
• Righteous- 1 John 3:7
• Anointed; Owned; Sealed- 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
• Salt of the Earth; Light of the Earth- Matthew 5:13-14
• Friend- John 15:15
• Rescued- Psalm 40: 1-3
• Witness- Acts 1:8
• Alive- Ephesians 2:5

I hope this helps you as much as it helps me! I encourage you to make your own lists too! There's nothing better than discovering all of this when you're feeling pretty crappy. Such empowerment!!

Run in such a way to get the prize...

So, I completed my very first 5K today. It was a very interesting experience considering I have never (ever) been much of a runner. I've always admired people who can run in any weather. It was for Wiphan (Widows+Orphan...a super awesome non-profit! Here's a link to their site http://www.wiphan.org/) and I automatically knew it was something I wanted to do, even though I'm not a runner. In my head, I had everything all planned out on how hard and long I was going to train. I actually did pretty decently with it in the beginning...but the more stressful school got and the more things I had to do training got pushed off to the side. I set off for my 5K today not being able to tell you the last time I ran and let me tell you that did not end up well. I ended up walking way more of it than I wanted to in the misty (and sometimes drizzling) rain. I began thinking about anything and everything to get me through. My mind eventually drifted towards the bible in 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27. The Message version of these verses says this
 ^"24-25You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.
 ^26-27I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself."
Wow. That is definitely not how I trained for my 5K, but Paul isn't talking about literal races here! He's talking about living our lives as if it is a race to achieve the ultimate goal, which would be having eternal life with our Father in heaven. I have to admit: I haven't been living my life like this either. I guess that's why it's a good thing to work your way up to things. We can't just jump into the middle of something and think we're going to be ok! We need training and preparation for (races) the great plans that God has for us. He is more than willing to provide everything that we need, he just needs us to come into action as well. Is it your time to run?