Tampa - Day 4

Another great day in Tampa, Florida! A little chilly and breezy, but a great day nonetheless.

The day started off as usual, I woke up on the couch before 9 as AP left to go get a meeting place on campus with Speedy! Made some oatmeal for breakfast and studied at the kitchen table again with Ashlee.

AP and Ashlee went to lunch while Sarah and I watched Drew. Lindsey Jones stopped by and graced us with her presence - she rocks!! We put the Aletheia cd in and Drew ran to his room, pulled his drumset into the kitchen and started rocking out to the sound of "da-da"...it was sweet!!

The homeowners arrived back home and we started dinner. Chicken Penne Bake- we actually took all of the chicken off of the bones with our fingers. Nothing like cooking with Ashlee Proffitt!!

Ace and April arrived!!! Lindsey came back and we grubbed on some chicken penne, salad, potatoes, and bread- it was delicious! Next order of business: ice cream. We loaded up the pilot and headed to Walmart for a Redbox movie and then to DQ for some blizzards. Now we're back at home watching The Rocker.. apparently it's funny! We'll see.

Some random facts about Tampa:
1. Lightning Capitol - don't go outside in a thunderstorm, it won't end well.
2. Pre-historic animals - they have these birds that are a cross between an ostrich and a pterodactyl. There will be pictures and video to come!
3. This place causes people to change their look - JR straightened his hair (and left it like that for work today. It's awesome!) and I also have a new "do" going ok - no hairspray and a headband (I think I like it).
4. I think I might love it here....

God's still working on me and changing my heart about this place. The people that are a part of Aletheia Tampa are solid and awesome. I've had the best time getting to know these girls down here and look forward to more time with them later this week. I'm still praying and studying- it all starts with meditating in His word, so that's what I'm doing.

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:8-9

Quote of the night: "Loads of elevators play Celine Dion, that don't make it right." - The Rocker

Tampa - Day 3

It's Monday. Usually I hate Mondays...today was different.

Woke up around 9. Spent pretty much the entire morning reading and studying at the kitchen table with Ashlee.

Got ready for the day. Sarah and I headed out to do some exploring of the area. Made our way to USF and drove around campus just to check it out...in a torrential downpour. Drove pretty much to Downtown Tampa and then went the other way to head back home. Stopped by one of the bookstores and bought a USF sweatshirt (just in case) and ended up back at the house.

Ashlee came home from the store and we started making dinner for the large group meeting at the guys apartment- Breakfast Casserole (with and without sausage). Sarah and I made chocolate bread with almonds for dessert- delicious!

AP taught the small group tonight. It was fun to actually be a part of one of these group meetings that I've been praying for every Monday for weeks now. We learned about the history of Aletheia and the vision for the future. Went all through Acts (chapters 13-20 specifically), looking at the biblical model that God has provided us with for church planting. It was an encouraging study.

Best part of the day: after large group, JR Mondell got his hair straightened. Hilarious! Turns out that he looks almost identical to David Cook from American Idol. This is something that you have to see for yourself. AP posted pictures on his blog - check them out!

Next was the concert: J.R. Mondell Live from Tampa. This was great as always... definitely miss it happening on an almost daily basis at the Ministry House! Got to play alongside him as well for one song, which was a definite privilage.



God is starting to change me a bit, I think. There's still a lot left to change and a new attitude to bring along but I can feel it coming- still not exactly positive about what He wants, but I think I might be starting to get a feel for Him and His will again.

I still miss home- trying to become more mobile is not an easy task when everything you have is "back home". But, like I said in Day 1, this could be my new home....

Who knows?

only God.

later.

Tampa - Day 2

Sunday.

Church this morning at Watermark.

Definitely different from Aletheia, but it was legit. I loved the ambiance of the building that they met in- very cool and relaxed feel. The worship was awesome - Psalm 23 made it's way into my life again in one of the songs...maybe God's trying to tell me something..? The teaching was good- symbolic comparison of the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16 to Jesus in Matthew.

After church, went to the Pizza Restaurant. Legit pizza- definitely grubbed! Came back to the house, hung out/napped, then headed out to the pool. Got our swim/tan on and then left to get ready for dinner. Ashlee and I went to Publix (one of her two new loves- the other is her new green couch) and picked up stuff for dinner, came home and got right to cooking- that's right I was working in the kitchen alongside one of Aletheia's best - Ashlee Proffitt.

Ate dinner. Boys (J.R., Emilio, AP, and Dan) and Elizabeth left for Late Night at Temple Terrace around 6:30. Sarah, Ashlee, and I stayed home and cleaned up everything.

Spent some time talking to Chelsea and Sarah- which is always nice at the end of the day! Heard that God rocked Aletheia Harrisonburg this morning- evidence that He's going to work huge through this ministry. I'm excited to see what's to come and to be a part of it- wherever that may be.

The day is ending with Sweet Home Alabama and relaxation!

Aletheia Tampa small group tomorrow night - get stoked!

Tampa - Day 1

Spring Break is finally here for those of us who are no longer a part of the college scene.

Saturday morning was busy. Elkton for tax stuff. Climbing through the window at my parents house because my mom had locked all of the doors and then left, only to realize it later. Baptism at the Halterman's. Made a quick walmart trip and then finished packing. Left the house around 1 to head to Roanoke to get this Tampa trip started.

I'm still a bit blown away at how I can be in two different places within the same day, without really skipping a beat.

Chelsea drove us to the airport, because she rocks and is the best - thanks again for doing that girl!
Katherine came along to keep her company on the drive back - thanks to you for doing that!

Flight was smooth. Car rental was smooth also. Hooked up the GPS and hurried over to 11124 Ancient Futures Drive - the Proffitt's new residence! It's a sweet placee and I'm loving being here so far.

Met some of the coolest Aletheia Tampa folks tonight and am looking forward to spending some more time with them as the week goes on.

Midnight Walmart run with Ashlee and now here I am, writing this blog.

I miss home, but who knows...this could be my new home. Only God will tell. Praying that I'm open to hearing Him speak to me this week.

Tomorrow's agenda: church at 10:30 along with talk of a pool party afterwards..hmmm, I think I like the sound of that!!

See yaaaaa!!

Run the race...

"...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

Hebrews 12:1

"Even When"

This week, I prayed, one time
My phone, it rang, I put You on the other line
And now my thoughts they drift around
My knees remain unacquainted with the ground
Unless my faith is put to the test and I am forced to bow
Although I'm in this flesh it doesn't mean You shouldn't have the best
from me, from me

Even when my eyes are dry
even when my soul is tired
even when my hands are heavy, I will lift them up to You
It's not about how I feel, oh Lord I am here for You
I exist for you

I close my eyes but all I see
Is a background of black, bouncy squiggly lines
And this week's mistakes coming back to mind but
I will lift my voice and make a joyful sound
Forget about me, I only get me down
Although I cannot see it doesn't mean I shouldn't sing to You, to You

Even when my eyes are dry
even when my soul is tired
even when my hands are heavy, I will lift them up to You
It's not about how I feel, oh Lord I am here for You
I exist for you

You've given me Your life and have held mine together yet I find
Excuses to slouch in my pew
But when glory divine
Is sitting in my very presence, the least that I can do
Is give my all to You, give my all to You

Even when my eyes are dry
even when my soul is tired
even when my hands are heavy, I will lift them up to You
It's not about how I feel, oh Lord I am here for You
I exist for you

Psalm 23

Psalm 23

A Psalm of David.

¹ The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.


This passage has infiltrated my life this week. It seems to be everywhere, coming at me from every angle, and different people and situations.

So here's the deal...

On Saturday I forced myself to get on the ball about applying for this sweet PE job in Tampa, FL at a Christian high school. Resume and cover letter were sent via email and the application itself was going in the mail to be sent overnight on Monday.

It was Monday. At school, it was another day. In life, I was spiritually parched. At lunch, while I'm praying for my food, I end up on a tangent prayer asking God to clearly reveal to me the next step in His plans for me. 2:30 - school ended.

As I'm heading out of the parking lot, I get the feeling that I should go home and check my email before heading to the post office to apply for what seems like my dream job. Email received on Monday March 16 from Heather Brown (HR Director at Northside Christian Schools) - "Ms. Byrd, Unfortunately we are no longer filling this position. Thank you for your interest in Northisde Christian School."

genked.

At this moment I'm sitting on the couch trying to rack my brain of any other possibilities. Check out another website - they basically say they're not hiring. Another - nothing. And another - still nothing.

Disappointment, anxiety, and fear flood my heart. What's God's plan?

I really don't know and I still don't. At first, I sided with staying here - just wait another year until hopefully the job market is a little better. However, contrary to what I thought would be the case, the thought of staying here in Harrisonburg, (even though leaving would be so sad), seemed weird and not right for a bit.

Then came discipleship preparations. Elizabeth George rocked my face.

Psalm 23 clearly states that "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." I've known that this is what it's said since I was little. But now I see that what it's telling me is that God has been, is, and will continue to take care of me and provide for all of my needs, so I don't have to want for anything.

I've always thought myself to be faithful, but honestly I'm a little terrified. For now, I'm choosing to stick to my guns and go to Tampa unless God tells me no. I desire His will for my life and right now I'm not sure what that is, but if it's moving to Tampa without a job, I'll do it - I won't be thrilled in the beginning, but I'll do it - shaky knees and all.

All of this is kind of easy to type up on the web and post, but the action behind it is the hardest part. Right now, my thoughts and intentions are in the right place, but my willing actions may not be so quick and eager to follow...

God makes us a lot of promises and He doesn't back down from them. In Psalm 23 alone we see that He will lead us, guide us, comfort us, feed us, protect us, restore us, give us rest, be with us, anoint us, and provide us with Eternal life - we shall not want.

I suppose my prayer at this point is for increased faith and decreased worry and anxiety. For a quieted heart and mind to hear Him speak and opened eyes to follow Him closely.


"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want..."

tired

It's Monday and it's raining.

I'm physically tired. Last night's attempt at sleeping didn't work out so well. Well... the attempts worked out great every hour, I exerted a lot of effort trying to fall back asleep. But the sleep itself turned out to be unsuccessful.

I'm spiritually lagging. Last week was not a good week with God and it's totally all on me. In this case, my attempts were unsuccessful. Why is that we allow routine, or the lack thereof, to dictate diligence in our relationship with Him?

The routine returns today. Back at it again. This time however, I'm not going to let it fade away over time. I need to keep it, hold on to it with every ounce of strength that I have. I'm done with status quo- it's time to step up for real, to step up for sure, to be consistent, persistent, and intentional.


"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven..." Ecclesiastes 3:1


The time is now.