Wake up church we need revival!

Something has really been bothering me in my heart lately about the slothfulness that is in the body of Christ!

I know slothfulness may not be a word, but it describes the group of people I am addressing

Slow to do anything, no real drive, and lack of care even for the people and things around them

I may group them together by how they act but I know they all didn't have this same experience for them to turn out this way.

Their could be many reasons, many situations, circumstances, and life styles. We all are different and we all act differently when things come our way,but why is their this mask of slothfulness over a large group of men and woman in the Church?

Why do we just want to get by? Why do we not desire more from God, if somewhere along the way we lost interest in Him why didn't we talk about it, why don't we take it up in prayer?

How is it that the slothfulness isn't fulfilling us at all, but we resort back to it like a dog returns to its vomit.

I believe it's all because of comfort, we desire it, we long for it, we will get fat over it. We long for comfort.

It's frustrating to me, because its so hard to sit back and watch these talented and anointed men and woman go to waste all because they don't want to feel uncomfortable.

The disease is instant gratification, our culture is all about this, and its infiltrated the church, so instead of waiting on God to affirm us we do everything we can to have man affirm us.

Waiting and being silent before The Lord to hear him speak is so foreign to so many because we get frustrated waiting on a text message reply.

We wonder why we aren't moving forward in our relationship with The Lord because we don't take time for him, we don't meet him where he is we want him on our terms.

Yet God is so gracious, because he wants our hearts to be turned towards him.

Recently I had a youth pastor takes thier students to a youth convention in another state and the Mormons that they brought got saved, (praise God) but using their words they had a hard time entering in to worship because the worship pastor was singing a secular song and trying to get people to worship God. Yet alone the same pastor leading worship led all his own songs he wrote and was trying to push his new cd that all the songs were on but people weren't suppose to be focused on him, they were to focus on God.
My youth pastor friend began to tell me even more stuff that the speaker brought it was using sperm illustrations to how we win when we except Christ, I was floored that this was what was being spoken to thousands of young people. Like that was the best we had to offer them, was a worship leader who worshiped himself, and a speaker who's perverted inner life spilled out into his message about God.

We the church have to be different, how can we offer the world Christ when we don't even know him?

We all are broken, we all need some fixing, but it begins with humbling ourselves and getting right with the one who made us!

We have to make a choice to serve God, or the enemy, you can not have two masters, choose one or the other.

We can never use selfish gain for the Gospel, because the Gospel is the opposite of anything selfish!

We may need a revival in our nation but first it has to begin in the hearts of the ones that say they follow Christ! Then it will become contagious!

Sorry if this sounds like ranting but it's just what I was thinking.

I like to hear other people's thoughts on this subject.

My Aly Grace

It's been way to long since I have blogged I have like 6 different drafts that I never came and finished, but feeling the urge to share something tonight.

It's Halloween for the next 20 mins and Aly our 2 yr old wanted to be a princess dinosaur :). Se was very cute and have a great time at our church's pumpkin party!

She has grown up so fast, 2 has been my favorite so far, a new word or saying every day, a new side of her personality to discover and learn, and a day full of learning more stuff she can blow me away with the next day!

She is the closest thing to being a human sponge as you can get. She picks it all up, mannerisms, facial expressions, words, down to the way she walks, she is constantly learning and constantly growing.

Parenthood is such a strange journey, one of the most rewarding things I will ever do in my entire life is be her mom. Seeing the effort you put it and the discipline you have to have to be consistently loving can be so draining but so rewarding!

And to think we have an almost 2 1/2 yr old who will become a big sister in the next couple of weeks blows my mind! Zac and I were set in trying to wait to have kids, but each one our blessings came in Gods chosen timing. We can image where we'd be or what we'd be doing if we did have Ay and now our new sweet baby girl on the way!

We stop and say at least 5 times a day, gosh look at our girl, she's so big, so precious and ours!

We still feel 19, but instead we are 25. We use to think 25 was old, but now we think its just the beginning.

I personally feel old sometimes, because as a former youth pastor my heart is to want to hang and encourage young people, but I keep getting older and they seem to be getting younger.

The natural separation has begun, I am considered a mom, not a cool married lady with funny stories from college. My stories now consist of Aly and all the adventures she takes me on.

Most young people are as excited about little kids and moms, like they were about fresh out of college and newly married people.

I have felt the disconnect for some time now, I have learned to except that my life has taken on newer meaning, newer depth, more so than I ever thought it could.

I have a baby who is growing into a little girl and another baby in my body, to say my life isn't my own is an understatement, but I would change it for the world.

If the only reason I was created was to have Aly and raise her to be a Godly woman than so be it, that is worth it all!

I will do all I can to fully prepare her for all that life can bring her way, but every night my prayer for her is that she would have a sweet encounter with The Lord for herself, not something from Zac and I but something she has on her own.

I believe God has already begun that work, and it only encourages me to be a even better mom and teacher.

Believe me, I don't always get it right,I can be short and snappy and I hear the Holy Spirit saying watch yourself, slow down, reassess the situation.  Do I always listen, not always, do I always reprint yes, because if the only thing I can teach Aly is to repent and be humble then she will ok.

I know I am not perfect but I have a perfect God to help me along this journey!

Aly Grace Hagerty is my first born, my sweet little girl who will be the best big sister I could ever ask for!

Thankful for my blessings! So very thankful

Purity from a Youth Pastors Heart

Ok so a few weeks ago I preached on Purity at Youth, for those that don't know my hubby and I are Associate Pastors at Celebration worship Center in Sulphur La. Our youth ministry is called 4:12 student ministries, from 1 Timothy 4:12 "Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

I asked the Lord, what can I give my students that is practical and can help them understand my stance on not dating. I don't encourage my students to date, because of this very reason, The young people I have worked with over the 6 years of ministry, struggle to make time to study for big test at school, but can spend hours watching TV or on social networks.

The thing that I do not hear very often is that Purity isn't just a physical thing, its a heart issue.

We as pastors want to set our students for success but when addressing purity we usually address just the physical aspects of purity. (Don't do this and don't touch that)

When the core of the issue is Purity of the Heart.

In Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart above all else for it effects everything you do!

The Lord spoke so clearly to me that I had to share it, this directy from my notes

"Guys and girls, the reason I say you’re too young to date, is because I know most of you don’t have the spiritual disciplines in place to combat your sinful desires."

It's not that most of our students don't want to remain pure, but for so long I think we've been addressing the whole purity thing wrong!

That is why we get so frustrated when they ask questions like Well, how far is too far?

But we're the ones focusing so much on the physical and not the inward purity where outward purity stems from!

We need to focus on setting up our students with the knowledge and understanding of spiritual disciplines.

Because you can stay pure physically but your heart and mind have already gone there, but Jesus says

²⁷ “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ ²⁸But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ²⁹ So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

Purity of the heart is what matters most to God, because if it is in the heart it will be in the actions.

Our purpose as a Christian is to be like Christ, He spent 30 years preparing his heart and mind before God for 3 short years of ministry! Those 3 short years impacted our world like nothing else!

If you are reading this please be encouraged, I am not saying don't address the physical things of purity, but don't make it your focus.

The enemy can manipulate what you're trying to do by distracting your students to focus just on the physical and not on the heart of the matter.

When you have inward purity, your physical body aligns to it!

In closing, I used this analogy,

Proverbs 17:3 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.

When silver or gold is being refined but fire the fire purges the impurities out of them, never to be picked up again.

The same can be for us, the more intimate we are with the Lord, He purifies us through this same purging of our sinful nature. It may not be comfortable, because we have to admit the deep dark sinfulness of our soul, but in the end we will be purified! (we don't ever have to pick them up again!)

The Lord knows our hearts, he may be directing us to a closer look into them so their isn't this separation in our mind, body, and spirit.

One more time, Purity of the heart is what matters most to God, because if it is in the heart it will be in the actions.

Adoption

Some who knows me well, knows I have always wanted 7 kids! My husband says he compromised for me with one, but I am working on him and so is the Holy Spirit!(lol) (Its not hard, he's melts with Aly Grace lol)

Lately the Lord has awaken this Spirit of Adoption in my heart like never before! The other night, we were at my in laws and Aly was roaming the house looking for Mr. Darcy (the kitty) she just adores him. We were all admiring her and laughing at all her cuteness, then my mother in law said one of the most profound and yet so simple of things "Every Child should be Loved, like we Love Aly!" Oh that struck a cord in me and my heart was even more burdened for all the orphans, the foster children, and the abused children all over the world.

I'm not exaggerating, my heart is so heavy, I weep thinking about how overwhelming the numbers are of abandon children there are.

To change emotions on you, I am angered.

There is no excuses, the Church as a whole has failed! We need to not continue to walk out our judgements through our abortion rallies and parades, we have to take action! If people opened up their homes to adoption, I believe along with many others that the "Abortion problem" alone in or country will be vanquished!

The practical where most of us get tripped up and where we stay, (I cant afford to adopt, its too expensive, I can barely meet my needs to add another one, the list goes on)

We're talking about a life, a life that has already felt neglect to the highest degree an at such an early age, a life that can completely be renewed, restored, and appreciated!

I have been researching adoption here in the US, and adopting Children from the state you live in is a roughly a 12 month process, paperwork and all. Going through the foster system to adopt is a lot cheaper, than going through other agencies if you are worried about the finances. Also anything you spend for the adoption is a tax write-off, and you will get it all back the following year. So finances cant be an issue, anymore!

I could go on and on, but just know, my heart is to encourage people who have room to make room! Make room in your hearts through prayer, and then make room in your home!

I have 2 adopted sister in-laws and 1 adopted brother in-law, we thought when we adopted them we would change their lives, and we did, they have a place where they belong, but most importantly, they broke us, made us more humble, more gentle and more kind! We will never be the same!

If you can adopt in your heart, God will make a way for all of the rest!!

We don't have a whole lot of money but we have 2 bedrooms and someone gave us a whole new bedroom set for free, I now have no excuse, there is always and extra bed in my home!!

Aly turns one

What a sweet day it was. You could see her excitement when she looked at all her decorations, the monkey theme, the lanterns, and her friends with a place to play! Surprisingly she didn't mind the huge tutu I made for her to wear, she still got around and into everything. My parents came up from Florida, and had a time getting up here. Flight cancelations, late flights, and full flights, but finally they arrived, 2 am before Alys big day! God was faithful in his timing, every doubt came into my head, but it trusted I'd have our girl back in time for her party, and sure enough a day later than expected she was here! My parents were exhausted, it was a crazy long day at the airport, but they kept reassuring me Aly was so good, Aly was so calm, and just relaxed. So far, this sweet blessing who went from 5 lbs to 22 lbs in a 12 month period is so beautiful from the inside out. She cries when I cry, or anyone cries, it worries her if one of her aunties or uncles our getting in trouble. She's so sensitive and totally aware of peoples feelings. You all may think I'm crazy to think all of this of a one year old, but it's true. I pray for wisdom and continual guidance that I will raise a strong, gracious, sensitive, and very loving woman, who by her Grace she will change the world!! It was a beautiful Day and a day I will never forget! Thankful to God for my beautiful blessing in Aly Grace! Many, many, more birthdays to come! Thankful for the friends and family who made that day so sweet, and so memorable! Aly Grace Hagerty, I love you!

Remember what He said

Were in Louisiana!

We are settling in, learning the ropes, and how to get around.

The lakes, beaches, and humid air, make me feel a lot closer to home

Aly loves being outside and so do I. The last time we took her to the beach, she decided she really liked the taste of sand. The advice I had received from other moms was to let her taste and she can see it doesn't taste good, but not to my child, she licked every grain of sand of her tiny little fingers. So who knows how they digested or how "fiberous" they were for her, but she didn't not mind at all.

We have found a nice size townhouse, and the people in the church have really just blessed us and provided most of our "shabby chic" mismatch furniture :)

Oh this season of stretching, has been more than we have ever felt (financial, mentally, physically, relationally)

The greatest however has been financially. We had some savings that we were finding ourselves to be very dependent on, saying things like "well we have savings" instead of trusting in the Lord will make a way, and provide.

At the Louisiana district council last month, George Wood was the speaker and spoke on

Mark 4: 35 -41

Jesus says to the disciples let's cross to the other side of the lake. Jesus was sleeping, when a fierce storm came and was taking over the boat. The disciples woke him up shouting " teacher don't you care that we're going to drown?

Jesus woke up in verse 39 and rebuked the wind and the waves and everything stopped, there was a great calm.

In verse 40 he asks the disciples why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?

The disciples were terrified and asked themselves who is this man?, even the wind and waves obey him.

The first thing that the Lord spoke to my heart through this word was that He Said, We are going to cross to the other side of the lake.

He told them before he laid down, we're gonna cross over to the other side.

WHEN JESUS HAS TOLD YOU SOMETHING, REMEMBER IT, BELIEVE IN IT, AND TRUST IN HIM!

The Lord has called us to Sulphur, LA, for a direct assignment, to see a city and state changed by the Gospel. We don't see all the details, but we know the Lord said so clearly to come and our job is to remember what he said, and Trust in it!

We need to keep our focus on the word and not the circumstance in front of us.

Then the Lord revealed to me that his disciples were fisherman, a little rain storm wouldn't worry them, so this must have been a pretty serious storm that scared every little ounce of faith out of them that they ran running to Jesus, assuming he was wanting them all to drown (vs 38).

WHEN YOU FAITH IS VERY LITTLE DUE TO GETTING BEAT UP BY THE STORMS OF LIFE, REMEMBER WHAT JESUS SAID and THAT IS WHAT WILL GET YOU THROUGH!

My prayers haven't been fixed my circumstance, they have been enlarge my faith to see through the circumstance.

The circumstances can get you down if that's where your focus is, be careful even in your prayer life.

Your circumstances can be discouraging and hardly solid, so don't stand on your situation, stand on the promises, stand on the word that was given to you!

When Jesus woke up he took care of the winds and waves (the circumstance) right away, and then asked the disciples, why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?

Why are you afraid?, he's asking don't you remember what I said "we're gonna cross over the lake"

He doesn't tell us every detail we might face, but he assures us where we're going!

Do you still have no faith?

"Faith without works is dead, without faith in something, (a word, a dream, a promise from the Lord) you won't work for it, if you don't remember what it is!!

Keep it in the forefront of your mind so when situations arise, your got your word, you got your dream, you have your promise.

I don't feel Jesus was coming down on them, he was teaching them, preparing them for when he wouldn't be there in the flesh, that faith is trusting without seeing the whole picture.

In ministry and in life in general, SOMETIMES THE SEASONS YOU GO THROUGH AREN'T NECESSARILY JUST FOR YOU,

because the very next thing Jesus and the disciples faced as they crossed the lake was a demon possessed man who lived in the cemetery and couldn't even be restrained by shackles and chains. He was set free from all the demons that were inside him and it was a witness to the whole town.

You will face trials right before your breakthrough!!

The little discomfort Zac and I have experience through our budget shrinking and shrinking (emphasize the shrinking lol) and not having everything we want and being truly satisfied with what we need, is all worth it!

When a soul is saved, a soul is made right again, and the ones that are just learning about it all, its worth it.

Viewing ever opportunity as a chance for someone to get to know Jesus and having their lives be changes for eternity, is all worth our temporary discomfort.

The promise, the word, the dream you may have from the Lord is yours to go after, go after it with all the strength and faith you have and all that will increase as things come you way, but most importantly never forget what He has told you!

It takes faith to step out, but it takes trust to know God's got your back!

You're not through with me yet

It is so surreal to be in Florida, My home town, and in warm weather.

You never realize the affect an experience has on you until your out of it, for me that is true for so many things.

For instance, relationships I've had with all different kind of people shape how I communicate, how I trust, and how ultimately love.

From living in Alaska, I find myself craving sunlight and wanting to be in it every chance I get because subconsciously I think I won't see it for 8 months. I think I am wasting a beautiful day and another nice day is very unlikely.

In seasons of transition, (feels like these last 6 years) constantly moving, constantly changing, constantly feeling the need to settle and make roots but feeling like I have no where to set down my stuff (all of my stuff).

For me, I catch myself keep looking back, how could I have done this or that differently, wishing I was more open or honest, or trusting, or appreciative. (the list goes on)

But then I am reminded of the sweet whispers of "you're right where I want you to be", "trust me, I see all things, I know whats ahead, NOTHING SURPRISES ME!

The only constant things I cling to, is your promises, your love, and that you have called me and anointed me to proclaim the good news to the poor, you have sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion, to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. In their righteousness they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. Is. 61:1-3

I know what the Lord has done for me,

I don't want to keep looking back at what has happened or what I could of change, There isn't enough time and it is a waste of time, but I need to keep moving forward, I don't want to be like Lot's wife. (its not worth looking back) pillar of salt is not my future :)

I know the good work he has started in me, he will continue, he won't leave me dry and one day I will be made perfect in his sight, but until then I am going to keep moving forward, and only look at my past experiences thru the eyes of wisdom and knowledge, not in regret!

Its a waste of time to stay in your regret, choose to learn, and make changes.

So for all the experiences, relationships, and seasons that have come and gone, and that are to come, please know, I am thankful, I'm sorry, I'm learning, and I will only continue to learn and be better!

I am excited for what is to come, a lot unknown, and a lot still to dream.

I am going to keep dreaming, keep moving, and keep focus on the important things!

So thankful, you're not through with me yet.

Whenever you start focusing on how someone has hurt you, remind yourself of God's grace. (stay humble, stay true)

I don't want to obsess about anything but about how great your love for me is.

Thankful for your grace, and thankful for your love, for it endures forever! Amen