Free To Be Me

At twenty years of age I'm still looking for a dream
A war's already waged for my destiny
But You've already won the battle
And You've got great plans for me
Though I can’t always see

‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me

When I was just a girl I thought I had it figured out
My life would turn out right, and I'd make it here somehow
But things don't always come that easy
And sometimes I would doubt

And you’re free to be you

Sometimes I believe that I can do anything
Yet other times I think I've got nothing good to bring
But You look at my heart and You tell me
That I've got all You seek
And it’s easy to believeEven though

-Francesca Battistelli "Free To Be Me" (My Paper Heart)

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That is seriously such a good song! Not only are the lyrics great, but the music is super catchy! In fact, that is what caught me to the song. Josie had me listen to it because it's one of her new favorites, and I didn't pay any attention to the lyrics until later. But what I love about it the most is the bridge. "Sometimes I believe that I can do anything, yet other times I think I've got nothing good to bring. But you look at my heart and you tell me that I've got all you seek and it's easy to believe." That is where I am at with God right now!

As I mentioned in my last post, God is teaching me how HE views me! God is really speaking tenderly to me and revealing that I've got all he seeks (as the song states). Now, I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I have arrived, I never wonder or feel insecure, or inadequate; but I can tell you that God has been gently wooing me back to a place of redemption and restoration.

The verse that has been my theme the last few weeks is Romans 12:2, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." I have been in the process of renewing my mind. Every morning I look at two (2) pieces of paper. One says "I am BEAUTIFUL to the Lord" with the verse "Behold, you are beautiful, my love; behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves." Song of Solomon 1:15 then the other says "I am LOVED by the Lord" with the verse "But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Amber, he who formed you: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1. So through being daily reminded of those truths, I'm am "being transformed by the renewing of my mind."

On the Zimbabwe front. If you are not already doing so, any and all Zimbabwe updates are being done at Africa Movement and that is the best source for how to pray and keep up with the trip. However, I will tell you this. One of the amazing people going on the trip with me, Ruth, gave me this book to read which I'm VERY excited about.

She said she just read it and it got her very excited about the trip. I am starting it tonight, so I will let you know what I think of it. I mean, I can't imagine it won't help give me greater insight into the nation I'm going into. 

Well dear friends, I think that is all for now! Have an amazing weekend and know that you are cherished and loved by the Creator of the Universe. Walk and live in that love and if you get the chance, extend it to someone else too!!!