Comforted.

Hey there folks!
Well, I was pondering all night about what to write about, nothing was coming to me, I thought I had writers block, then the phone rang...
It was my uncle from Alberta calling to tell us that His wife just went into labor. :)
That put a smile on my face and of course gave me something to talk about.

We just prayed for her, and I just want to keep praying for this future kids life. This kid will move mountains, I can see it :) I am excited. It makes me think about how everything is already planned out, you know what is incredible, is that God already knows who this kids spouse is going to be, and how many children they are going to have. That makes me grin, and smile, and I don`t know, I am overtaken from this love, and clarity, and it feels so comforting to know that when i was born 17 years ago God knew what I would be doing right now, it is okay, everything is perfect, and the closer we are to Him, and closer we are connected to Him the better we are able to see into what He has planned.

I am content, and smiling, and excited, and comforted. So pray, pray for this childs future life, a life of anointing, of incredible clarity with God, a wonderful connection to be able to hear and see His perfect pleasing will.

Tomorrow I am headed to Drama Festival, so there will be no blogs for two days... so keep praying! haha Take the next two days, and if you were going to read this blog, go be by yourself with God, let me know what happens.
I want to leave you with some incredible lyrics, check this out, My soul sings by Delirious. ---
Open my eyes to see
The wonderful mystery of love
Falling into you
I'm drawn to the gravity of love

We're standing still in a moment of eternity
Where worlds collide and I feel the breath of heaven over me

My soul sings
How I love you

Open the page and see
The wonderful history of love
I start and end with you
I'm pulled to the gravity of love

Time to pack,
Colton

Fig Tree

Bonjourno Ladies and Gents, I trust your day was swell. I just am arriving home from a coffee house, or as we liked to call it, and "Iced Tea" house, I sang a song, and here I am bloggin away. Be patient with the following blurb, before you read it, stop! Pray that God will give you the eyes and heart to get what it is He wants you to get from this. Now, enjoy.

I want to use a story my Pastor spoke about this Sunday morning.

Jesus spoke of a fig tree, which was in a vineyard. Doesn't make sense right? It doesn't fit in. This is like us in this world. We are christians, surrounded by people who sometimes do not understand us, and we stand out, sometime for the good, or the bad. It depends on whether or not we are effective. This fig tree, didn't bear fruit, therefore it stood out in the vineyard as a "fig tree" which didn't produce any good, and people saw this. It was cursed, this is the only thing that Jesus cursed while being on earth. That is powerful. This defective tree, that Jesus cursed, could very well be "christians" who produce no good. Following?
Now, let's turn the tables, we can be fig trees that bloom with a product that the vineyard has never seen. The vineyard is used to their patterns, and their small views of things, yet when we are strong and mighty and prodcue great fruit they cannot help but be drawn in and love what they see. Make more sense? I like this metaphor a whole lot, and I'm not sure why. Jesus makes it so clear, check this out...

Galations 5:22-23 ----
But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

I don't know about you, but when I see that I grin, big time. It is basically everything I want myself to be. Affectionate, excited, peaceful, ambitious and comitted, passionate, loving, and capable of blessing people. Life will be easy, everything is taken care of, perfectly.

Mmmmm. Sounds Good.
-Colton

BIG.

Psalm 36:5-6 ----

God's love is meteoric,
his loyalty astronomic,
His purpose titanic,
his verdicts oceanic.
Yet in his largeness
nothing gets lost;
Not a man, not a mouse,
slips through the cracks.

Hey Guys! Out of no where today, well actually this morning, I came across these two verses, I don't know what I love so much about it, I think it is the use of words. Also, it describes one of my favourite things about God, simplicity, in the midst of the worlds complexity. Or maybe you could say that the other way around, God's complexity in the midst of the worlds simplicity. Hmm, now there is a thought. He is so big, and I hate the word big, but I have to use it.... He is so big, with an incredibly gigantic Heart. Astornomic, titanic, oceanic, large! The verse says it all, but nothing, NOTHING is overlooked, or not imporant. I feel like this is an elementary Sunday school lesson, but check it out, this is the real deal.
I dare you, go be alone with God, and ask Him to show you how much He loves you. Like, not just to tell you, " I love you so much that I gave my only Son." Yes, that is important, but to really show you, He has so much He wants to give you and show you, so ask for it. It's there.

Faithfulness

Hello Readers. I trust you've had the Sunday that you needed today.

I just have two little thoughts before bed tonight.

One - If you are going through a total busy season of you life, where it seems like you have no time for yourself, or for rest, be faithful to God. I was thinking about Job today, Satan put him through some terrible things, he stayed faithful to God and came out on top. I am making a commitment right now to stay just as close to God, to be just as faithful, to dedicate the exact same amount of time to just Him. This is important, otherwise everything tumbles down, and that is exactly the opposite of what you need when you are overly busy. I have been running non stop, but if I keep running with God, He will continue to fill my tank with all the energy and love that I need, because He is faithful, let's return the favour. No problem is too big for God, or more important, I can't stress that enough!

He is faithful... my next thought, I don't know why or when or how this thought came up today but I was thinking of the first time I encountered God's love. You know what? That is a big deal. it is like an anniversary, for me it was the day my life was changed. I was so overwhelmed with His love and spirit I was on the floor sobbing, with people praying over me, and I will never forget that experience, or major experiences after that. It is so important to remember those memories with God and thank Him for those incredible encounters. If you haven't had that experience, pray for it. It honestly changed my life, and then when needed, He has kept meeting me at the right time with the right amount of His power. Once again, I don't know why, but today I am completely stuck on the faithfulness of God.

I am so thankful, and I can't stop thinking about how incredible those moments have been like in my life. Like a sloppy wet kiss. Hahaha, there is nothing better.

Go hug God, He gives the best hugs, for real!

-Colton

Saturday on Sunday

This blog is for last night, I worked late, I'm sorry! Haha Oh well, it just means two today.

A friend of mine sent me this a few nights ago and I totally feel the need to share. Check it out.

"So, I was reading this thing my mom wrote the other day about Hannah, Samuel's mother. It was talking about how Hannah prayed and cried out to God about this passion she had in her life, to have a son. She had no idea that her passion would end up being one of the major prophets, and an incredible messenger for God, it was just a passion that God have given her, a son.... Think of all the passion God has given you for worship, and for doing His will. What if that passion ends up blessing God's people as much as Samuel did? God gives us desires on purpose, because He has plans for them in the future. Don't give up on that desire, Colton, just keep going after it. It's going to be good -smile- and I can't wait to see it."

A-HA! This is the point I have been trying to make for a long time, but I don't seem to ever have the right words, I think that sums it up very well! Sometimes we dismiss these desires on our hearts, little do we know that they may be there for specific God given reason. Search it out, test it. See if it is from God, and then run with it! Keep running, and keep expanding the passion that He has called your heart to own.

Pray for me, I have lots to do, :) God Bless
-Colton

Colton does relationships... Part 1.

Here I sit. At my grandparents house, where I will be staying for the next couple weeks while my parents are on a cruise to the panama canal. Relaxing, I forgot how much I loved it here. I got here when no one else was home and I sat on the trampoline in the sun with my music blaring, and I felt calm. Then my bedroom has some massive windows, perfect for some sun to shine in and wake up (the best way to wake up ever - garunteed to make me happy!) Also, there is the blue room, or the bible room as I always used to call it, with large windows once again and awesome couches and a table smothered in books.
I am excited. Pray that my parents have an incredible trip, they are very deserving, and I don't think they realize how much I appreciate all that they have gone through with me over the past year.

So, tonight I went to youth group again! Yes! It's been so long, and I love those kids. There was one point in the night when they were throwing knives, doing handstands on the church roof, jumping off the church roof, and well... let's leave it at that. However, by the end of the night we had a really good talk about relationships, purity, what schools are teaching, and what they think a relationship is. Haha, once again I feel the need to point out that I love these kids. I am excited, this is going to be the topic over the next few weeks at youth, and it is something that everyone can get something out of, whether you are a teenager, or an adult already married.

So, my idea of a perfect relationship... technically, it wasn't my idea at all. The following verses are talking about perfect love, the love of Jesus, but let's put that in the perspective of a human relationship. Tonight the question was asked what do you think of when you hear the word relationship, some people thought friends, some people thought spouse, and some people thought boyfriend or girlfriend.
1 Corinthians 13 ---
(We all "know" it, but let's really read into it. Italics are my thoughts.)

Love never gives up.
I feel like this is for people who are already with who they feel God has called them to be with, it is simply put, love doesn't give up. When you love someone You will not give up on them.
Love cares more for others than for self.
This is speaking of the kind of love that Jesus displayed for us. He loved us more than himself. In order to be true disciples of God we have to do the same. And if you want a perfect relationship, one that will grow and blossom in God, this is key.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Okay, there are some different ways to look at this. I am going to go with this thought, the basic "cheating" issue. When you are in love with someone you will not want to have to do with anyone else, although that is common sense. I guess they were obligated to throw that in there, after all these are the directions to the PERFECT relationship.
Love doesn't strut,
True love doesn't go around saying "Ohhh, I am in love, I have this hot new girlfriend, check it out! I am so cool, I am in love, yah da yah da yah da."
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Read above.
Doesn't force itself on others,
If you love someone you will wait, you will not force them to have feelings for you. You will be loving, and show love by being kind and patient, and praying.
Isn't always "me first,"
Self explanitory? When you love you put the person you are loving before you. A way fo displaying your affection for them.
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Patience is key my friends!
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Patience, along with forgiveness is key. Sometimes this takes time, but in a relationship trust is key, demonstrate the forgivness God has shown you. If your "lover" has done something not so cool recently do try to one up them, you are better than that. be the example, show the true love.
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Shower optimism and joy on people when the grovel.
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
If you love, truly love, you will do this. In a healthy way!
Trusts God always,
!!!!!!!
Always looks for the best,
Once more, optimism anyone?
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies.
I believe the last three go very well together. Never looks back, keeps going, never dies. Love is forever, and that is how you know you have true love.

For me this is a check list. When you think you are doing a good job of loving those around you, whether it be family, friends, or a significant other, refer back to this verse. Check and see what you are missing, what you are doing well with. God says "Trust steadily, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love." That goes for any kind of relationship. It is THE KEY! So pray, pray to love, to show love, to find love, to see love. Perfect love.

After youth we watched a dvd, and my sould feels heavy, not sure why. Hmm.
-Colton

Yes, you love me.

Hey Folks! I am having a great night, morning started off rocky, I did not want to wake up, I wanted to just lay in bed and read. I didn't get my way, I rushed off to school in a buzz, and you know what, it wasn't horrible... well, let's not go there. However, tonight, amazing! Out of nowhere I have all this free time, and it feels good. I was just playing some music, when I felt the need to go read. I came across the following verses, it was exactly what was on my mind, like a massive revelation. Right before I read this I was having conversations with a few people about the future, yet again, wondering what was going to happen this summer, after High school, etc. So, before I blabber on more and ruin it, check this out...

Luke 12:25-34 (The Message)

^25-28"Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can't even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don't fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?

^29-32"What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.

^33-34"Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can't go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bankrobbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can bank on. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.

-Pretend you and Jesus are sitting in Starbucks, and he's saying these words to you.

-Now pretend that you've come home and you're going over in your mind what Jesus said to you. What phrases draw you the most? What is Jesus trying to say directly to you? In order to do what Jesus said, what are you going to have to really trust for? - That He'll "do his best for you." - That by giving instead of getting, you'll still have everything you need. - That "God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions" are really enough. How do you feel about this? Respond to God about truly trusting Him for these practical, important matters. Be honest about what you are, and are not, and what you're ready to do. Sit quietly before God. Receive from him the idea that he is your treasure: "the place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being."

When I read that my mind was blown, it was like God slapped me across the face.. or it was more like "a tickle". Which ever way you look at it, it was so good. "Don't be afraid of missing out" Man, I said that tonight too, it's like I can't wait to do all these things in my life, and some times I get so pumped up for them that I start to worry that they won't happen, or I want to do it all, and I get discouraged because it might not happen. That is so foolish. I don't think I can say what I mean perfectly, so let me leave you with this song, read the words and then go listen to it. It is perfect.

Your love is Strong - Jon Foreman

Heavenly Father, you always amaze me
Let your kingdom come in my world and in my life
Give me the food I need to live through today
And forgive me as I forgive the people that wrong me
Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one

I look out the window the birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune or out of place
I walk to the meadow and stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl on her wedding day

So why do I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need

Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong

The kingdom of the heavens is now advancing
Invade my heart, invade this broken town
The kingdom of the Heavens is buried treasure
Would you sell yourself to buy the one you've found?

Two things you told me
That you are strong
And you love me
Yes, you love me

Our God in Heaven
Hallowed be thy name
Above all names
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us today our daily bread
Forgive us weary sinners
Keep us far away from our vices
And deliver us from these prisons

-Colton