Kidney Transplant

Hey everyone! This is a really good friend of mine. She was one of my youth leaders at church and is simply amazing! God isn't done with her yet! So, please keep her in your prayers and donate if you can. I really appreciate it! Thank you all so much! <3

Here is the link for her story and for more information:

http://www.transplants.org/donate/madeeleombruno

God bless,

Brittany (1 Peter 3:4)

C28 - Not of This World -- Check it out!

 

Ready, Salt....Answer!

“In your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 [emphasis added]

It was a typical day for me. I did school, ran some errands, and then began to get ready for work. The sounds of spring were in the air and the weather was warmer than it had been in weeks. I put my window down a bit as I drove breathing in the warm fresh air. There was feet of snow on the side of the road just beginning to melt, but I still enjoyed the scenery that clearly showed that winter was fading and spring was finally coming. More than ever, I was ready for spring. It had been a long winter that included a record-breaking snowfall and freezing temperatures. Spring was more than welcome to be on it’s way.

Upon pulling into work, I said a prayer for God to use me and that he would shine through me and that he would be seen in me. Just like my typical day, I did my typical work. Notices, processing, shelving, repairing, working at the desk - nothing abnormal for me at all. But then something that was a bit different did happen. I was sporting my Southeastern University shirt which has printed into the design, “Be Salt.” As I was checking out a patron, he noticed my shirt asked me what “be salt” meant.

So many thoughts when through my head at that moment, the foremost being that this was a chance I had been praying for. But then, I realized, how could I explain “be salt” to a non-Christian? This stumped me for a moment and I slowly explained what it meant to me and how in the Bible in Matthew 5 it says that,

“You are the salt of the earth. If the salt loses it’s flavor, how then can it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world, a city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do you light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and praise your father in heaven.”

I went on to say how salt cleanses, and although it irritates the wound at first, it ultimately benefits you greatly in the end. Salt is pure. We are told to be salt and light in the world.

I grimaced inwardly at my poor explanation. The man looked at me trying to understand what I had said. He made a short reply about that being cool, and then took his books and left. As he walked out those doors I realized something, that I had lost a real chance to be salt and to be a light. And why? Because I wasn’t ready. I was not ready to give an answer.

After that day, I set out to ready myself and to arm myself with answers that I can give to anyone who asks. I came upon 2 Timothy 4 which says, “Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.”

We all need to be ready. Whether it is our time to go out or our time for staying where we are. We need to be ready to give an answer. We need to be prepared. How can you prepare yourself today? Are you ready?

~Brittany

Faith that moves...

"I've seen dreams the move the mountains, hope that doesn't ever end even when the sky is falling. And I've seen miracles just happen. Silent prayers get answered, broken hearts become brand new. That's what faith can do..." - That's What Faith Can Do by Kutless.

That's what Faith Can Do - that song portrays so much. My faith is important to me. I relate with this song so much. I want my faith to be like that. I want my dreams to move mountains, I want to always hope and believe, even when things seem like they will never come to be. I've seen miracles, I want to see God move again and again. I want to see those silent prayers answered, and broken hearts become new. I want everyone to see what Faith can do.

Faith is a powerful thing. In Hebrews 11:1 it says: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see."

Nothing in this life is certain. Nothing in this life is constant. Nothing except for one thing - Jesus. Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever. He is the only constant, the only certainty. That is why faith is so powerful, because it is standing fully on what is unmovable and unchanging. Faith is powerful because it is standing on the solid rock when all else is shifting sand. The power of faith is in God. Everlasting, never changing, and eternally existent. What in this life is there that you can hold to? What stability is there in this world. I am certain and sure that the only answer is Jesus. When you have faith - you know and believe that no matter what comes to pass, that God will always keep you.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.

I know that no matter what happens, no matter what trials that come my way or what storms may come to pass that God will always be there and He will always see me through. I just have to trust him, believe in him, and have faith. My faith is my story. My relationship with Jesus Christ is the theme. And above all, God is writing my story. I know he has plans for me, and I can't wait to see what he will do through me. My life will be all to bring Him glory and it will be in his way and in His plans for me.

One of my favorite verses is in Jeremiah 29:11. It says, "For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.'"

I don't know the plans that God has for me. There have been many times where I've gone to God not knowing which way to go or what decision to make and I'd pray, "Lord, would you please clue me in on your plans a little?" But it doesn't always work that way. I have to believe that when I trust God that He will help me make the right choice. I can't see the road a head of me. I am unsure of where I'm going in this life. But we are meant to walk by faith and not by sight.

I'm not your typical girl, but I am who God is making me to be. I'm shaped by his hands and as he shapes me, he is keeping the purpose that he has for me in mind. I had dreams of my own, but coming to God, my dreams changed. Admittedly part of me still wants those former dreams of mine, but God's dreams for me are so much better, and I know that it is in God's will that I'll be the happiest, and where my purpose will be fulfilled. I also know that the center of God's will is not a destination, it's a journey, and it is a journey that I will take all of my days.

I once dreamed of med-school and being a doctor. I had dreams of being able to help people and save lives that way. But it is so clear to me now that going into medicine is not where God wants me, even when there are still days that I want it. But no, God is calling me to minister. He is calling me to preach the gospel, bring freedom to the captives, and bring release to the prisoners. He has called me to comfort those who mourn, and to declare the year of the Lord's favor! (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Now I dream of ministry. I dream of ministering in a church, and to youth, teen girls and women. I dream of missions to Haiti and India. I dream of ministry with dance and with the arts. God has given me a heart for such things. And although I at times look back at my dream of being a doctor, I don't miss it, although I want it at times, I've recognized those times for what they are -- those times are pure selfishness in me. I wanted to be a doctor to help people yes, and to minister that way -- but also for my name to be known. With these new dreams God has given me, it is not about me, it is all about him. It is about how everything that I do and say glorify Him in every way. This life is my praise, my offering, my everything. God will speak through me, - He's promised me the words. God will go before me - He has already made my way. God will guide me - He is my light and my salvation. God will use me - He's had a purpose for me since before I was born.

You may by now be wondering who I am. I've said much and yet very little. I am servant of the Most High. I am a young woman of Faith. I am a daughter of the king of kings. I am a dreamer holding to God's dreams. I am a sinner redeemed by the blood that poured from Jesus as he hung on the cross, I am a warrior in the Lord's army (by the way we already win.). I am who God the Father calls me to be, but above all - I am His and my life is to bring him glory!

To God be the glory, honor and praise!

~Brittany (1 Peter 3:4)

DIESEL - This is our year! <3

"Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction..." 2 Timothy 2:2

Diesel, This is our year.

I really believe that this season we have to prepare. This Spiritual battle is real.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12

Are we ready? Do we fit into our armor?

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." Ephesians 6:13-16

We are leaders here. We can start a revolution. There is a war to be waged here. We have to fight. We have to stand. If you were called to go out now, tonight, would you be ready?

This is our year! What are we going to do with it -- or you know what -- What are we going to let God do with it? How are we going to let him work in our lives so we can do the impossible? Are we going to be open to him to let him move?

I believe this is our year. It is time we stand up and take our place on the battlefield. We Are DIESEL - fueled by the spirit---or are we? Consider this - What drives you? Are you fueled by the Spirit? Is it God that keeps you going with every breath left in you? Is it God that consumes your every thought and every motive? Is is the Spirit of God in you that fuels you?

We have so much power right in our hands that God has laid out for us to grasp. Are we ready to take it up? Do we believe? Do we know? Are we fueled by the Spirit??

You are called tonight. Are you ready to fight? Do you fit into YOUR armor? As an individual - are you ready for battle. If no one else were to stand with you tonight -- would you be able to stand your ground?

As a group - are we ready for battle? We could be so much - we have the potential. We cover each other's weaknesses. We are strong together. but if we aren't ready to fight, when will we be?

it is time for us to take up our armor. It is time for us to take a stand. This is our year, Diesel! This is our year to see the impossible. It is our year to move mountains. it is our year to lead - to start a revolution. Are you open to the supernatural? It's time to get out of the ordinary. We are extraordinary.

Do you believe in this year and what it has in store?

One last question,

Will you stand with me??

It is our time. This is our year.

"A cord of three strands is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

-giving
-prayer
-fasting

Time for battle. Take up your armor. We're waging war! <3

We are DIESEL - FUELED BY THE SPIRIT!

Who Measures Up?

I stood against the measuring stick as tall as I could and was disappointed to find that I was still too short. I came to this amusement park every year only to find that I was still too short to ride what I looked to be the best ride in the park, a roller coaster called the Wild Mouse. It was fast with sharp curves and dips and it slammed you around the whole ride. Does this sound like fun? Well it did when I was six. However, once again, I didn’t measure up to the requirements. The only requirement – “You must be this tall to ride.” Well I was not “this tall,” in fact, I came up quite short. And the “shortness factor” would get me a lot in life. I’m not just talking about height either. Back to the park, my older brother got to ride the Wild Mouse while I was watching. The next year, I was finally tall enough –barely that is. (I may have stood on my tippy toes just a bit.) After waiting in that line for what seemed like an eternity, I sat myself in the seat with my brother and waited with anticipation for what was to come. We started moving; up – up –up we went. The car stopped at the top for a few seconds, and I held my breath in anticipation, then all the sudden, we whipped around a tight left bend, and then another, followed by a tight right and a drop, only to go up again and twist sharply. I recall hitting my head of the side of the roller coaster car several times on those turns as I was too small to really stay in place. In spite of that fact, I loved it. I wanted to ride again. It did beat me up a little, but I finally “measured up” to the requirements.


This is how our world today is. We see others doing what we want nothing more than to do ourselves, but we come up too short. We don’t “measure up.” Society today is like that roller coaster. We want to be the ones riding it, but the bar has been raised too high for us to measure up to. We try to stand as high as we can as to look tall enough. The requirements are there because anything less cannot handle the ride. If we stand tall and just barely reach the mark to ride – we might get whipped around a bit. We may get beat up along the way. Will the ride be worth it? Are we riding because it’s where we are meant to be, or because we finally fit the requirement? Is finally making it what keeps us holding on for our dear lives?


“You must be this tall to ride” – These days to measure up, you have to be the best of the best. You have to have a better education, a better job, and even be better looking than the next guy. Not everyone is going to “measure-up” to the world’s standards. It seems they are continually raising the bar, and we just can’t seem to stand to it. We all have standards (or at least I would hope we do.) Some of us have our standards higher or lower than others. It’s the standard that defines what people expect of us. At times we can be overwhelmed by what is expected as what we have to bring is never enough to satisfy the requirement. What we have to bring is never enough for us to measure up to the expectations that are set before us. When we reach that, we just drown in a sea of what we may see as failure. We fail to reach the mark.


Since creation, we've been raising the bar, pushing to do more, to go farther, to reach higher than we ever have before. We’ve been reaching to make ourselves better, or to make a name for ourselves. In the Garden of Eden, Eve was deceived and tempted to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. As Satan, in the form of a serpent told her, “…when you eat of it [the fruit of the tree] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Eve wanted to be, “like God.” “Ironically, in trying to be “like God,” humans separated themselves from God Almighty and became false gods to themselves.” (FIREBIBLE Student Edition, © 2007, p. 35)


The Tower of Babel is another example. In Genesis 11: 4 says this:
“Then they said, “Come, let us build for ourselves a city with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” (emphasis added)


When we try to make a name for ourselves, we push the limits, we reach as high as we can manage, and when that isn’t enough we stand on our toes hoping that we will finally reach the standard. We can only do that for so long. We’re only made so strong.I find it ironic that what seems to be labeled as the "world's standard," is higher than the standards of the world. It seems that the world expects so much, but they expect it not of themselves, but of others.


Who really measures up? For how long will we continue to raise a bar that we can't stand to ourselves? Standards are good to have - high standards, but when too much is expected - when perfection is expected, who will stand to the bar? We can try and reach for it. Is it worth getting beat up along the way? Will we survive it?


I find that the "shortness factor" can get me quite a bit. I don't always "measure up" to other people. I can't sing like many people I know, I'm not the greatest with drama, and memorization. I'm not good with people all the time. I'm not the best at anything, but I'm good at many things. However, the gifts I've been given and the skills I have acquired still leave much to be desired at times. Sometimes I feel like I have an image to hold that I CAN do the requirement. That I CAN reach the standard, but really, I'm barely making it. I'm not steady. I'm on a roller coaster ride that continually beats on me with every twist and turn. Sometimes I wonder why I put myself in those places. At times, it is to stretch and to grow, at others it is because of what is expected of me, and still others, it is just waiting to be held to the bar so that I can finally step down, be satisfied that I've reached it and go back to where I measure to. Who really measures up?


I thank God continually that He takes me as I am. He made me to be who I am. He takes everything that I have to bring - failures, short comings and all - and he makes them perfect. His power works best in my weakness. (2 Corinthians _:_) In the end, it is not about whether I measure up to the world's standards, but do I measure up to God's standard? No. No one can. None of us are perfect. But he loves us.


Thank you, Jesus for taking me as I am, and loving me for who I have become. Thank you for shining through my weakness.


~Brittany

"Its a fear that keeps me wide awake,
in the middle of the night.
When the expectations are too great,
and the bar gets raised too high.

So I do the best with what I've got,
and hope that no one knows,
that I strain to see how high I can
try to stand on these toes
until I'm measured
but you know better so...

CHORUS:
Thank you Jesus,
even when you see us just as we are
fragil and frail and so far from
who we want to be so
thank you Jesus, even when the pieces
are broken and small
dreams shatter and scatter like the wind.
Thank you even then.

So I put aside the masquerade,
and admit that I am not okay.
Which may not be the thing to say,
but I'm not ashamed to need you,
more each day so

CHORUS

We raise the standard and try to reach it,
but we'll never make it and we don't need to...
so thank you....just as we are, we are fragil
and frail and so far from, who we want to be so...

CHORUS

"Even Then" - Nichole Nordeman

Something Special <3

So I was going through my stuff and I found my old journal from summer with this written in it and wanted to share. :)

08-08-09

The past week I spent in Orland, Florida with my greatest most amazing friends anyone could ever have! We were in Orlando for National Fine Arts and Convention. It was so amazing and I have so many great times, memories and stories I would love to tell about, but I think I'll tell you about those later. Right now, I want to focus more on what I learned this week down there, and what we got out of this as a team.

I'd never be able to fully express how special our group is. You wouldn't believe if you saw. So let me explain a little bit. In short, we are all VERY different people. We have different dreams, live totally different lives, have different paths we will follow, but what we share is what brought us together. Our differences just make it all the more special. We share a love and a heart for God. We share with each other. We're all so very different, and that is not hard to see, but as I said it's our differences that make what we have even more special and beautiful. I guess I might need to explain a bit (which is the purpose of this...)

Going from oldest to youngest - first there is Vanessa (Ness). She just graduated from high school. Nessa is like the "mother bird" or the "big sister" of us all. She's really sweet and caring. She loves to shop (she's like the fashion queen!) and is almost always smiling. She is quick to take control when a situation starts to get out of hand, and is always there. She's going to be a nurse. (And know she'll make a great one!)

Next is me! And to explain -- I'm just me! I love to dance and worship God and I want to work in ministry after High School. I'm not exactly sure WHO I am in this group. Although, they have described me as a workaholic at times and ambitious...and a brainiac...But I'm just me. I'm different. And I love it! I'm so thankful that God put these girls in my life! I would not be the same without them!

Next is Emily (Emilina!). he is a senior in High School like me. Emily has such a passion for God and worship and has the MOST AMAZING voice! I swear she'll be famous someday! And even if she's not, she's that good and so much better. But even aside from all that - she's real. I love that bout her! She's true to herself and when she's committed to something, she pours her heart into it. Everything she's got - and God always gets the glory. She's so sweet and has a beautiful heart and above all else, trusts God in everything.

Now there is Erica. She is a junior in High School. She loves to sing, dance, and act - she is the greatest when it comes to that! And she stands strong on what she believes in. In everything she trusts God to keep her going and to lead her in his way. She has such passion and heart and strength. She loves horses and has a heart for the lost and broken. God is going to use her in amazing ways.

Then there is Eden (E). Eden is a sophomore in high school. And to describe her well....she's Eden. She's amazing and I know no one else like her. She's real, she's herself. She's different and proud of it. I'd say she's one of the most grounded in our group. She loves Music and is probably going to be a missionary. But wherever God takes her, I cannot wait to see. She's going to do amazing things I know!

Next is Sarah, (Sar-rocks!). Sarah is really sweet, loves drama and is really good at it! (Ok that's an understatement. You ought to see this girl! You wouldn't believe the stuff she memorizes! You'd be blown away! She's def the drama queen-- and I mean that in a good way!) I realize we all have different styles and all, but Sarah stands out as the princess! I rarely see her without a dress. She wears them constantly! She always brings a smile to everyone's face and truly cares for people. She loves music and plays guitar. All out - she rocks! (Oh and she takes around Diego, Dora and Sarah the Mammoth for all of our youth activities! It's the greatest! I believe they are her loyal sidekicks! lol.)

Then there is Jess, ....actually....I think jess is older than Sarah...lol...yeah she is. haha. Jess is all around amazing! She's a gifted musician with a heart after God. Jess is friends with everyone and reaches out to everyone, and has the ability to just pull them in. She never gives up and is always praying for her friends to come to Christ. This girl is gonna be famous someday I just know it! She's amazing with music and dance and with communication. She is sincere and caring, and probably the most humorous of us all...especially when you put her with Emily... (AHHHHHHHH!!!!)

And there is Lydia. She's what i call a diva. Really sweet, spunky, amazing voice, and is gifted. Lydia is our "country girl." She and Erica kind of relate on that level I think. It is really cool though. Lydia loves horses, and music, and well...a lot of stuff! I love this girl! She's got this great personality that just shines through. She loves God with all of her heart. She has a great call on her life and I know that God is working in her in awesome ways! I can't wait to see where He will bring her to!

We all are different ages, and in different places in our lives. We come from different backgrounds, live totally different lives, and yet - we're best friends. What makes us so special is our differences. And we love each other because of them. It makes us strong as a group and it separates us from other groups, out there. We cover each other's weaknesses. There are no limitations. Like i said before, we are all so different - our friendships are unheard of anywhere else, but God brought us together. He is one thing we all have in common. But we're we're best friends, and even though someday we may go our separate ways as we are called, we'll always carry a little bit of each other everywhere. And we'll always be friends.

We've had good times and bad. This week was amazing. Some bits of it got stressful and were hard, but we pull through together. And sometimes things come up or out that shouldn't. It is just the enemy trying to break our unity. We were brought together to glorify God in what we do. Our friendship is from him, bound by him, and all for Him.

This group of girls is special to me. We can all be ourselves when we're together. We're all so different and every one of them is just amazing! I think they'll all be famous someday! haha. It really wouldn't surprise me!

Anyways, I love you girls! Thanks for being such a great part of my life and for accepting me for who I am. God bless you always. I continually keep you in my prayers! I know God will do something amazing with each one of you! Know that you're all very special to me and I love you.

Remember - We'll always take a piece of each other with us everywhere we go. We have so much we share together! You girls make me proud, and it's my prayer that you never stop going after God, that you'll always be who you are, stay strong, be the beautiful, passionate, gifted, uniquely designed and glorious girls that God created you all to be! Don't change for anyone!

Thanks for the memories, the good times and the bad. Thanks for just being there. I know this week in Orlando is something that we'll carry with us. It's part of our journey together. I don't know where the road will take us, and I don't ever want it to end! Thanks for everything. Proud of you all, and I love you dearly.

God bless always!