Overwhelmed

I wrote this on Sunday, June 24, 2007

Overwhelmed: to affect deeply in mind or emotion

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by something? Someone? A moment? . . . . . . . . I have. The last 3 days have been overwhelming.

First off, I spent my weekend at the Pro Life Music Festival in Warsaw (www.plmf.org) whish was overwhelming. I am blessed to volunteer at this and witness thousands of people gathered together for one common purpose - to support LIFE! I heard amazing testimonies of women who had abortions and all of the emotions that came with those abortions. I heard testimonies from women who found help at crisis pregnancy centers. I heard testimonies from some amazing musicians who just poured their lives and music into the worship of our Lord and Savior. I spent time with band members and volunteers - all working for one common purpose. I mingled with friends (including my dear friend Jimmy B) and fellow believers. It was overwhelming.

Second was hosting a band from another concert. Some very dear friends of mine played a show with a band from Pittsburg, PA. They needed a place to stay and I opened my home. At first, I wasn’t too thrilled because I was exhausted and wanted to sleep. But, Jesus kicked me in the pants and reminded me that I am a servant. He demands us to put others before ourselves. Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” If that isn’t a demand, then I don’t know what is. I met the band and they were awesome! They were so grateful to have beds to sleep in and a shower to use. I got home Saturday night at midnight to a tear-rendering thank you note from this group. I was overwhelmed.

Third was church this morning. Have you ever experienced God in such a way that you can’t explain the moment with words? Worship was beyond me today. The music was totally driven by the Holy Spirit! We had a guest speaker, Dr. Jackson, who spoke about the lies of evolution. My favorite part of Dr. Jackson’s speaking is the God-centeredness of it. The man has the presence of Jesus pouring out of him. The music time that followed was unspeakable. What I mean is that I was overwhelmed. We sang “I am Nothing” (Jeremy Camp) and “Amazing Love” (Newsboys). I was blessed to be in the worship band this week. Personally, leading the second of the 2 songs was totally the work of God. My very being wanted to collapse in the splendor of my unfathomable creator God. I kept praying, “Lord, keep the words coming. Here my praise to you.” I was actually trembling and I don’t doubt for one instance that it was the very presence of God filling my spirit.

Lastly, tonight…….I am in Grand Rapids, MI at a concert. Our Hero’s End (www.myspace.com/ourherosend) played along with 2 local bands, NEVERTHELESS, and Disciple. The bands have all shared why they are doing this - to glorify God. The lead singer from Disciple just spoke shortly and began with this question, “Have you ever trembled out of pure respect for God?” How crazy that my day began with trembling in the very presence of God!!!??!!! It is overwhelming.

These are all big moments. There was definitely high energy, crowds of believers, and an overwhelming presence of God himself. But, God is also in the small moments. Scriptures talks about hearing God in the quiet stillness, in the wind (1 Kings 19:12). I have had those moments this weekend too. Amidst all the hype of concerts and church and speakers, where God definitely was, He was in some very quiet moments. Looking out my kitchen window this morning, I noticed the wildlife right in my back yard. My house was still, the sun had just come out, and I felt God’s presence saying, “Good morning, Dina.” It was the most overwhelming part of my weekend.

Why did I tell you this . . . . I just felt like I should. I serve a God who is so amazing that you can’t contain him. HE IS OVERWHELMING!!! Have you been overwhelmed by God? I would love to hear about it.

Being Silly

Those of you that know me know that I love to live life. I have been accused of being silly (I don't know why!). I have been thinking about this lately and I have come to realize how incredibly true it is. I love being silly. I love laughing and having fun in all that I do. Of course there are times in my life that aren't silly. However, more often than not, I am being silly.



I have realized that some of my readers may not know this about me. My life allows me to be silly and be a kid. In the words of my dear friend Kim, "I don't plan on ever growing up!" I taught 4th grade this year (moving up to 5th next year). My kids informed me, countless times, that I am crazy or that I make them laugh. I work with Jr/Sr High youth kids and I have been known to do some crazy/silly things with them (those stories don't all need to be shared). I love to make people laugh - it usually makes me laugh. Oh, and I recently joined "The Dixie Clucks" - a fun little skit that I do with some other teachers at school functions.



The best part of being silly is that I keep myself young. I am sure there are people in my life who think that I am immature or stupid, but I don't care. I am professional and serious when I need to be. But, God created me in his image and I like to think that HE did a great job. It has taken me time to get to this point in my life, but that is who MY CREATOR wanted me to be.



So, don't grow up too fast. Stay young at heart, it makes life much more exciting and enjoyable. I leave you with this scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12 "Do not anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an examply for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."