Yep. The Truth. Want to know the truth about Brennen Gaddis? I absolutely am so excited about one day getting married. Might I remind you that I do not have a boyfriend, or even the prospect of a boyfriend. But the truth of the matter is... I can't wait to get married. I dream of the day when I am a wife and later on down the road when I am a mother. Those 2 things are the things I answer when someone asks me, "What do you want to do with your life" I tell them the truth.. "I want to be the best wife and mother possible." Many laugh at me and say "Oh Brennen." Some tell me to never put that much trust in a man where I would consider not getting a degree so I could be a mom. Some ask the question again because they don't take me seriously. But wanna know the truth? Doesn't matter what you say- God has planted this desire in me since I was born- to care and love for other people. And God willing that means a husband and children as well. Anyways... this brings me to my point....
For years I have been praying for my future husband, and writing down qualities that I look for in a husband. The other day it kind of hit me that I need to step it up. I had to ask myself a question- "Would the kind of man you want to marry.. would he want to marry the kind of person you are?" I mean- that makes you take a few steps back. There I am asking for this perfect "Brennenized" man (that IS out there) but geez, that man probably wouldn't appreciate some of my habits, jokes, language, behavior, lack of ladylikeness, etc... I mean I know I'm not perfect and I also know that my husband won't be perfect. But I think it's time I start preparing myself for him. Start working on being a wife of noble character to be my husband's crown (Proverbs 12:4) To be a Proverbs 31 woman. A woman worth more than rubies.
Oh Lord, grant me the patience to wait for the husband you have picked out for me, and in the waiting process nurture me into the woman you have designed me to be. Reveal to me my flaws and give me the determination to change them and to one day be a wife of noble character. And Lord, be with my future husband- wherever he is right now, be with him and guide him. Love you Lord.
This post came from a status that Rianna posted.... "You can not just simply have me. you must seek me. pursue me. I won't let you in unless I know you love me." -Captivating
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
How would you encourage a lukewarm Christian to step over the line and be full-on living for Christ?
Make steps toward Christ. Draw near to Him- read His word, surround yourself with Godly things (music, people, blogs, books) and refuse to fill yourself with things of the world. If it makes you stumble, or makes you sin- don't even put yourself in the situation to tempt yourself with it. and the last thing, "go there"... be willing to change your views to biblical ones, my life line is now "if it's in the Bible then I want to experience it or learn about it, even if I'm uncomfortable with it" :)This all takes practice..... I'm still doing all of these things... Read Rev. 3 as well.
Who has most impacted you in seeing the way they live their life?
My mother. I have the most genuine respect for her. She is amazing. Her life lives up to the values she believes in. She is honest with herself and others about her walk with the Lord. She has been the biggest role model.
Other than parents- Kendall Altmyer. She is truly a blessing in my life. I met her in Gulf Shores and her joy in life, her love and care for other people, her beliefs and values for relationships that she lives by and the lifestyle she lives amazes me. She is extremely determined and I love it.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Decisions.
One of my flaws is that I am indecisive and I am impulsive. Which means I take little time to think and pray about my future and I decide to do things on a whim. It's all or nothing. Sometime's it works for the best, and sometimes I get bit in the tail end because of it.
I am reeping what I sowed (nice grammar huh?). I had applied to Moody Bible Institute and went and checked it out, and I received THE letter today from them stating that "due to space" I have not been accepted to the Chicago campus. (I was accepted to the campus in Spokane, Washington.) I am okay with this. I know that God has an ultimate plan and that he works things out for the good. So I am okay. I am. Disappointed and a little frustrated but that's okay.
So now the process begins again. Maybe this time I'll take some time and pray about it and really listen to God. So.. please be praying and interceeding for me about this. I would love to hear if God speaks to you about this.
On the flipside... just a random thought.... Wouldn't it be cool if you never had to refill your cup. Like if it was always full of Coca Cola Classic or Sweet Tea? Just a thought.
I am reeping what I sowed (nice grammar huh?). I had applied to Moody Bible Institute and went and checked it out, and I received THE letter today from them stating that "due to space" I have not been accepted to the Chicago campus. (I was accepted to the campus in Spokane, Washington.) I am okay with this. I know that God has an ultimate plan and that he works things out for the good. So I am okay. I am. Disappointed and a little frustrated but that's okay.
So now the process begins again. Maybe this time I'll take some time and pray about it and really listen to God. So.. please be praying and interceeding for me about this. I would love to hear if God speaks to you about this.
On the flipside... just a random thought.... Wouldn't it be cool if you never had to refill your cup. Like if it was always full of Coca Cola Classic or Sweet Tea? Just a thought.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Thoughts.
Thoughts. I seriously have the craziest thought/thinking process ever. I think about the craziest and most random things. It's pretty insane. Lately, one thought has been, "Who am I?" I have 10 billion different lives planned for me... I have 4 different favorite colors... My favorite food changes all the time... My "style" changes all the time.. I can't seem to make up my mind on what in the world I'm going to do with my life.. I love change.. I love different cultures and countries.. Yet I absolutely LOVE being at home.. It's kind of like I'm just a big mess of Everything.
Which thankfully Terre Jasper just reaffirmed me that it's okay to be a mess, because I am His, with a capital H, mess. His as in the Savior or the Universe. He made me just like I am for a specific purpose. He knows exactly why I have 4 different favorite colors and he enjoys showing them to me in His creation. I really like how He brings out these different wacky things in me. It shows me how broad He is. Because I know there are people that are way different than me. So just think of how creative He is!
Pretty crazy huh. I really enjoy serving the God I serve. And I'm learning to love myself including my querky thought process.
.....just a thought ;)
Which thankfully Terre Jasper just reaffirmed me that it's okay to be a mess, because I am His, with a capital H, mess. His as in the Savior or the Universe. He made me just like I am for a specific purpose. He knows exactly why I have 4 different favorite colors and he enjoys showing them to me in His creation. I really like how He brings out these different wacky things in me. It shows me how broad He is. Because I know there are people that are way different than me. So just think of how creative He is!
Pretty crazy huh. I really enjoy serving the God I serve. And I'm learning to love myself including my querky thought process.
.....just a thought ;)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Recap and Reentry.
I confess, I am a horrible blogger! It's been too long since I have updated. Forgive me! So lets begin!
I am now home and in the USA after 5 months in Panama, Central America; I successfully completed and graduated from my Discipleship Training School with Youth With A Mission. I spent the 5 months all over Panama and in Costa Rica for 2 weeks as well. I was stretched and pushed in every part of my life during that time.
When we began our outreach I decided that each day I would write down at least one thing that I learned. Some are simple, some are big, some are silly, and some are "serious". I thought I would share these things that I learned.
Outreach Lessons... November Lessons.
1. Invest in people, listen to their stories, and learn from them. Focus on the good and not the bad in people.
2. Work with your entire heart, don't half do it. God wants your best, even if you don't like what you are doing.
3. Be open to different ways of minstering. God can give you a heart for the people you are serving and that style of serving.
4. We live for an Audience of One. We work for God! Even if we don't see the entire picture, God wants and desires our best, in every part of our life.
5. Remember Mary and Martha... sometimes you have to stop working and spend time and invest in other people.
6. Share. Trust that god will take care of everything, especially finances. (On this day- God provided me with 40 extra dollars :))
7. Take every opportunity to share the Lord.. it may be there only time to hear about the Lord.. even if they are drunk. (I gave my testimony to a gym full of drunk people that yelled the entire time.)
8. Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord. Don't settle. Just wait- God will reveal His plan. There is beauty in the waiting.
9. Be thankful for those around you.. take time to uplift and encourage them. James 3. Accept people's differences.. that is how god made them and made us.
10. Be flexible... sometimes it's good to just go with the flow.
11. Do you remember that evangelism is a lifestyle? It's not something that you go and do.
12. Love people for where they are and who they are. See them in God's eyes. Are your actions causing others to stumble, sin or become frustrated? Deal with the root of any problems.
13. Don't underestimate yourself. God can use you even just the way you are.
14. Take time to enjoy life and to spend tiem with people. Trust that God will meet your wants along with your needs.
15. Step out of your comfort zone. Let God use you where He wants you.
16. Enjoy life.. even the little things, like getting McDonalds.
17. You can learn something from every person- it all depends on your perspective.
18. Listen to the Holy Spirit- don't take every "bad" feeling as something wrong- ask the Lord what He desires in the situation, it may just require you to be uncomfortable and to stretch yourself.
19. There is no seperation of spiritual and physical. It's yep- both. (Everything is Spiritual by Rob Bell.)
20. The Lord provides big and small, even bacon.
21. Laughter is a gift from God- enjoy life. Proverbs 17:21 We have a lot of plans in our hearts, but it is the Lord's PURPOSE which prevails.
22. Everyone has something to share, everyone shares differently- be open to their methods.
23. God is to us as we were to the Mother Theresa patients. They depended compeltely on us and the nurses to feed them and keep them clean, to love and spend time with them. Be grateful for the health and well being you have.
24. Be where you are today. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Be where you are 100%. Sing, clap, dance, enjoy life.
25. Family isn't just those whoa re blood related it's the ones who have been there the ones that support you and love you.
26. It's hard to look for the good everyday- it's easy to get sucked into self-pity. But be thankful for what you do have and look for the good.
These are the lessons from November.. my ones from the other 2 months are in a different journal. These are things that I wanted myself to remember after I got home and got back into my normal things and habits. Which I am praying will not happen. :)
My time in Panama was such a blessing, I learned many things. I was blessed by my time with my team and with the people that we reached. We did many different types of ministry during our Outreach. I had the opportunity to experience many different types of evangelism. I am very happy to be back at home and be with my family. I miss Panama and my group but I know that God has plans for me in the future. I am currently praying about where God wants me in the "job field". I prayed about going to college this semester and really felt like God was telling me that I did not need to go to college yet. I appreciate prayers for me as I search and pray for a job. And also and prayers concerning re-entering in to the United States. That in itself is a process and a job. It is more difficult that I thought it would be.
Thank you for your prayer and financial support while I was in Panama. I am forever grateful for you all. Love each of you. I'd be happy to talk or answer any questions that anyone has about my journey. Love.
Bren
I am now home and in the USA after 5 months in Panama, Central America; I successfully completed and graduated from my Discipleship Training School with Youth With A Mission. I spent the 5 months all over Panama and in Costa Rica for 2 weeks as well. I was stretched and pushed in every part of my life during that time.
When we began our outreach I decided that each day I would write down at least one thing that I learned. Some are simple, some are big, some are silly, and some are "serious". I thought I would share these things that I learned.
Outreach Lessons... November Lessons.
1. Invest in people, listen to their stories, and learn from them. Focus on the good and not the bad in people.
2. Work with your entire heart, don't half do it. God wants your best, even if you don't like what you are doing.
3. Be open to different ways of minstering. God can give you a heart for the people you are serving and that style of serving.
4. We live for an Audience of One. We work for God! Even if we don't see the entire picture, God wants and desires our best, in every part of our life.
5. Remember Mary and Martha... sometimes you have to stop working and spend time and invest in other people.
6. Share. Trust that god will take care of everything, especially finances. (On this day- God provided me with 40 extra dollars :))
7. Take every opportunity to share the Lord.. it may be there only time to hear about the Lord.. even if they are drunk. (I gave my testimony to a gym full of drunk people that yelled the entire time.)
8. Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord. Don't settle. Just wait- God will reveal His plan. There is beauty in the waiting.
9. Be thankful for those around you.. take time to uplift and encourage them. James 3. Accept people's differences.. that is how god made them and made us.
10. Be flexible... sometimes it's good to just go with the flow.
11. Do you remember that evangelism is a lifestyle? It's not something that you go and do.
12. Love people for where they are and who they are. See them in God's eyes. Are your actions causing others to stumble, sin or become frustrated? Deal with the root of any problems.
13. Don't underestimate yourself. God can use you even just the way you are.
14. Take time to enjoy life and to spend tiem with people. Trust that God will meet your wants along with your needs.
15. Step out of your comfort zone. Let God use you where He wants you.
16. Enjoy life.. even the little things, like getting McDonalds.
17. You can learn something from every person- it all depends on your perspective.
18. Listen to the Holy Spirit- don't take every "bad" feeling as something wrong- ask the Lord what He desires in the situation, it may just require you to be uncomfortable and to stretch yourself.
19. There is no seperation of spiritual and physical. It's yep- both. (Everything is Spiritual by Rob Bell.)
20. The Lord provides big and small, even bacon.
21. Laughter is a gift from God- enjoy life. Proverbs 17:21 We have a lot of plans in our hearts, but it is the Lord's PURPOSE which prevails.
22. Everyone has something to share, everyone shares differently- be open to their methods.
23. God is to us as we were to the Mother Theresa patients. They depended compeltely on us and the nurses to feed them and keep them clean, to love and spend time with them. Be grateful for the health and well being you have.
24. Be where you are today. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Be where you are 100%. Sing, clap, dance, enjoy life.
25. Family isn't just those whoa re blood related it's the ones who have been there the ones that support you and love you.
26. It's hard to look for the good everyday- it's easy to get sucked into self-pity. But be thankful for what you do have and look for the good.
These are the lessons from November.. my ones from the other 2 months are in a different journal. These are things that I wanted myself to remember after I got home and got back into my normal things and habits. Which I am praying will not happen. :)
My time in Panama was such a blessing, I learned many things. I was blessed by my time with my team and with the people that we reached. We did many different types of ministry during our Outreach. I had the opportunity to experience many different types of evangelism. I am very happy to be back at home and be with my family. I miss Panama and my group but I know that God has plans for me in the future. I am currently praying about where God wants me in the "job field". I prayed about going to college this semester and really felt like God was telling me that I did not need to go to college yet. I appreciate prayers for me as I search and pray for a job. And also and prayers concerning re-entering in to the United States. That in itself is a process and a job. It is more difficult that I thought it would be.
Thank you for your prayer and financial support while I was in Panama. I am forever grateful for you all. Love each of you. I'd be happy to talk or answer any questions that anyone has about my journey. Love.
Bren
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