I AM A...

This weekend was the end of our spring break, but the beginning of Ouachita's spring break. Erin planned almost 2 months ago to have us all here this weekend so that we could spend time together and get fitted for our bridesmaid dresses. Hannah in the red scarf declared it "our day" because every other day is going to be "All About The Bride!" Ha! Yesterday evening as we were watching The Proposal we made buttons that said - I am a bridesmaid! Our names are on them so that people will know who we are when we're at any event pertaining to EY's wedding. Funny!

As we were making them I got to thinking about an event that happened over Spring Break.

Casie and I spent Monday afternoon on the beach getting some sun. We weren't concerned with anyone else on the beach or any of their intentions; we wanted to get some pictures of us on the beach, get some sun, and just relax. Never once did it cross my mind to flaunt my body, to do something for attention, or to look for any cute guys. I didn't need any of that... and I can't express to you how satisfying and complete that made me feel. He is good.

For the few hours that we were on the beach no one messed with us or even really spoke to us. Kind of shocking considering the usual stories you hear about spring break. But as we were leaving and heading back to the main street to meet my parents everything turned around.

Every single car that passed by had something obscene to say. I'll refrain from repeating their comments. Filthy language left and right. Girls standing on the streets in extremely revealing clothes doing just about anything so that a guy will notice them. One guy even walked up to us and asked us to hang out that night.

This statement will sound so cliche, but.... People need Jesus. And for the first time I felt like I could actually see it through His eyes. I felt like I was complete and I didn't need approval or anything from anyone. It was sad to sit there and watch these people trying to find satisfaction in other things that will not fill or last. On one hand I was so blessed at where the Lord had brought me the past year, and on the other I was sad for these people. I knew the answer to their problems.... I knew what they needed.... and I wanted them to taste it. Just a little sip and they won't want to ever let it go.

When we finally met up with my parents we went to Chick-Fil-A for dinner. Say it with me - YUM! Mom and Dad headed in while Casie and I sat in the car finishing something. A car pulled up and parked a few spots down from us and 10 - 15 guys unloaded and headed into the restaurant. I immediately said, "There are good guys still out there."

None of them had a bible in their hands. I hadn't spoken a word to any of them. Nothing. But there was something about this group that stuck out after the beach scene we'd just experienced. Now granted, it was 6 PM and most spring breakers are not concerned with chick-fil-a at this hour, but still... they stuck out. There was something different.

Believers?

For times sake, i'll cut the story short.... come to find out they were on a mission trip sort of like a beach reach. They spent their days on the beaches and their nights in the bars. How exciting! I wish I could have heard how one of their days looked or turned out.

We thanked them and let them know that it was very refreshing to see not only other believers, but a group of godly men.

So as we sat there making our bridesmaids buttons last night I wondered, Would I need a button to identify me as a Christian? Or is it evident that i'm a follower of Christ?

We are called to be salt. light. set apart.

And i'm here to tell you that it is possible to be complete, whole, and satisfied in Him. The foundation can be so solid and firm. And the joy... it abounds within your soul so much that you want to tell others about your experiences with Him. That joy, that peace, that ongoing relationship with Christ - is evident to others! That sets you apart. That makes you a light. That salt adds flavor and sustains. And I want that. I want to live there. In the place where His peace, joy, freedom, and healing abide. I have tasted it... and I don't want anything else.

Do you need a button?

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Matthew 5:13-15

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. John 17:15-18

We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. Romans 6:6

...it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16