At the top of this year I spoke of plans for this new year and asked for prayers through my accountability family of the Intensive Care Unit (check out the website at icuALIVE.com).
Today I would like to give you an update on what is new on my end. I am steadily working on my first CD project which will prayerfully be released no later than the summer. There has been a lot of time and effort put into it and in some ways it has required more of my focus than I realized. And personally I feel that God has been "growing me up."
I've learned more about my responsibilities and I'm not just talking about finances (although that has been a journey in itself), but really, I have grown in my relationship with God. I have had many moments with just me and God than I believe I've ever experienced.
The fact that He leads and guides me and is present in all things I do has become more evident to me than ever before. I'm also working on areas where I typically block out His instruction or what you could also refer to as plan ol' disobedience. I am in no way perfect, but he perfects me when I allow Him to. And I am so grateful for that.
My personal resolution for this year has not only been to strengthen my bond with Christ, but also to build bonds that go beyond the surface and dive deep into the needs of family and friends. I believe gradually but surely God is allowing me to do those things.
BUT, God has also shown me the value of ICU when it comes to the core purpose of studying and memorizing scripture. My sister Katrina brought it to my attention that sharing scriptures was really helping her. That meant a lot to me because it helps to be able to say to myself, "Carlena, you're not the only one seeing your vision, but others are as well, even if it's just family or one person. That's a life touched for the glory of God."
With that being said, I would like to share with you all a scripture that I will personally be focusing on for the remainder of this month...
James 4:8 (KJV) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
I could provide you with some great summary of what's being said through this scripture but...I'm not. Read the word for yourself, study it, receive it, live it out, and learn to love God unconditionally. For me, it defines what I'm working on...drawing closer the Lord.
Draw Me by Myron Williams
At some point, I will jump back on ICU (as well as the Lighthouse) more consistently, but as of now I ask that you review scriptures and allow them to be rooted in your heart. Your scripture focus doesn't have to be the same as mine. What's important is that we spend time in God's Holy Word and activate it in our daily living.
Want more information about ICU? Check out the website at icuALIVE.com. If you are interested in being a part of ICU in the future, please email me at either tacarajourney@yahoo.com or carlena@icualive.com.
