[without borders]

My journey on becoming a Proverbs 31 woman in college without borders."She is clothed with dignity and strength and laughs without fear of the future." Proverbs 31:25 Tweets by @patterson_randa Randa Lynn PattersonCreate Your Badge

[worshipgifs]

C.S.Lewis

[ranpat-blog]

loneliness

No one but God alone can satisfy the loneliness we suffer from.. But that doesn't mean we don't feel it at times.

People’s opinions, belief and friendship’s may come and go and they may change. But God is always constant. He always see the good in you, He never stops loving you, no matter what the person next to you feels about you.

Hebrews 13:8 // Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

It’s easy to get discouraged when we don’t feel loved or important. Especially from those we expect it from.

It’s hard to listen to what God says about us, when we feel like everyone around us disagrees.

This past week I have felt isolated and not important. I even experienced a little bit of hurt and felt there was no one to turn to. More than likely, the people in your life that you feel may not care, aren’t doing this purposefully. They are busy with important things in their own lives and also, the enemy loves for us to isolate ourselves and not talk to anyone about what we’re going through. The enemy loves to tell you over and over how no one cares, how no one is proud of you and so on.

I need to focus on what God says about me:

I am HIS child. Galatians// 3:26

I am HIS masterpiece//  Ephesians 2:10

I am so loved by Him// Romans 5:8

Let’s keep our focus, not on what the world and definitely not what the enemy says or thinks about us, but what HE says about us. <3 It’s the only way to find joy and satisfaction.

[ranpat-blog]

You Are Welcome Here

Now Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus. Act 5:29-30

The Holy Spirit. <3

Some people don’t always take well or are comfortable when it comes to the teaching and preaching of the Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit doesn’t just live inside of us to convict us or to remind us to do the right thing.

John 14:12-14 “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

Jesus sent Holy Spirit to perform signs and wonders through us. Miracles still exist today.

Over the weekend, my church had an Easter Crusade. We had evangelist John Wilkinson come all the way from England to be with us. Brother John has traveled all over the world and has seen blind eyes opened and deaf ears opened, diseases healed and the lame walking again. God has performed many miracles through John.

We saw miracles this past weekend in the small town of Tallassee, Alabama. God is still using those who have been baptized in the Holy Spirit to perform signs and wonders.

If you’re wanting to know more about being baptized in the Holy Spirit, ask God to show you and to open your heart. It’s an amazing thing.

[lyricsquoteswords]

[ranpat-blog]

hunger for Jesus > hungover

This is not me being ugly or judging. This is me being truthful and real from my past actions.

My heart hurts for those who try to find joy and happiness in the worst of places. The girls and guys my age who just live for the next party. 

I never once, woke up after a night of going out and partying and thought "Hmm, I'm so proud of the way I acted last night. My mom would be so proud too."

I never once woke up that next morning and thought “last night was so awesome. It was so worth this hangover and guilt hanging over my head.”

When I would wake up hungover, I always felt disgusting and guilty. I was always so confused. No one else seems to feel bad about how wasted they got last night. I was convicted every. single. time. And had no idea why.

But I don’t believe I’m the only one who was ever convicted. I believe many others are also sad and lonely just like I was.

God called out to me a long time ago and I didn’t listen until Summer 2015. I got a taste of His sweet love for me and that was enough.

I went to the bar one time after I re-dedicated my life to Jesus.

I walked into that bar, took a sip of my drink, put it down and I walked out with a broken heart, PRAYING for those young, sweet girls in that bar.

The entire atmosphere changed for me. That bar was never where I was meant to be. Now, it’s Jesus who I want to make proud.

He found me at my lowest, I can live for Him.

I became hungry for JESUS, instead of being hungry for drink specials, a large group of friends and cute boys.

You can never move forward into God’s future for you, if you can’t put down the things of this world that hinder you from having a relationship with Him.

[ranpat-blog]

Forever Faithful

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" Luke 1:45 <3

It’s easy to forget the promise when all you’re facing is the struggle. 

I have always been an over-thinker and have always been quick to worry over any little thing. And when I start to worry about something, I remember all those other things that I need to be worried about and soon enough it’s a long list.

How is it we can easily remember every little worry, but it’s so difficult to remember the promises that God gave us?

God promised me something that my heart has always desired. God never said it would happen the next day, two months from now or even a year from now. The being patient part is when it gets hard to keep the faith. 

I’m on top of the world when God shares a promise with me, but what about the waiting part? I become quick to disagree with God’s promise and to think of myself as not being worthy to receive that promise. 

I’m not proud of the way that I get discouraged when the enemy is tapping my shoulder, reminding me of all the things that aren’t going right in my life at the moment.

But my God is bigger than those problems and He’s certainly bigger than the enemy.

God would never make us a promise and then abandon us. It may take some time to see God’s promises come to pass, but His timing is perfect and it will be more than worth the wait when it does come.

When you are facing trials turn to God. He is our rock and our defender. Jesus died for us, so that we may have new life and so that we can enjoy God’s promises.

Let’s not focus our hearts and minds on the worries, but at the excitement of what’s to come!

“She holds onto hope for HE is forever faithful.” 1 Corinthians 1:9

Let’s honor our God by always remembering the promises and trusting in His divine plan.

[pg7inc]

How wide, How deep,

[hecallsmelovely]

[ranpat-blog]

A Father’s Love.

There are so many children out there, young and grown, who experience life with the absence of a parent. Whatever the reason may be.

I’m gonna get real on this post.

Some may not like it, but it’s truth. I know how I felt and hopefully this post will reach out to others who need it as well.

I am 22 years old. I have never felt the true love of a father, until I walked into the doors of Living Water.

I have always had the best mother, but there’s something about a little girl needing her daddy to swoop her up into his arms and cover her with love. 

I never ever felt this kind of love. I always thought there was something wrong with me. Why wasn’t I loved by my father, like my friends were by theirs?

Well first of all, comparison comes straight from the enemy and I let him make me question myself for years. Lies. Lies. Lies. Second, I am so so so truly loved by the most important Father of all, my Heavenly Father.

How amazing is it that God, my Father, created me along with a plan and purpose? How crazy is it that God loves us so much that he hates to see His children hurt? 

I have spent so much time worrying about earthly people and things lately, that sometimes I have to remind myself that I have the heart of the ultimate Father. 

God is a father who never gets mad at you and stays mad at you. He doesn’t leave your side and go weeks without checking up on you. God never looks down with anger, but with love and understanding. You don’t have to make straight A’s, win the gold medal or do something unimaginable to make God happy and to make Him proud of you.

Those of you who may be feeling like you’re not loved by a parent or anyone for that matter, YOU ARE. God loves you so much and He wants you to open up to Him and receive His love. He is proud of you. You have the Father’s heart.

Cry out to God, He will bless you and cover you in his amazing love.

[upliftourday]

[faithprayers]

He is with you.

[ranpat-blog]

A Lover not a fighter.

When is it time for our generation to stop rebelling against love?

For years now, it seems to be cool while you’re young to rebel against the things that seem to control you.

We rebel from love, rules, emotions, etc. We rebel from anything that we think gives us borders, anything that doesn’t sound like it’s going to let us be FREE.

It’s time to give up rebelling Jesus. He is the only one who gives you complete freedom along with grace and forgiveness. Rebelling against the one who loves you more than anything only causes hurt and loss.

We don’t have to be so strong and so hard all the time. It’s too exhausting when you’re hiding the real you from the rest of the world.

The bible actually talks about how being tenderhearted is a gift. “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.” 1 Peter 3:8 NLT

We turn to this “heartless” personality because the world doesn’t agree with being emotional or tenderhearted. But we were not created to please the world.

Bullying happens because it’s easier to bring out someone else’s emotions than to show your own. We don’t want to seem vulnerable or that we can be easily attacked.

What if we could all come together giving up our rebellion, our hardened hearts and show each other the LOVE of CHRIST? 

For those of you who are not saved, give Jesus a chance. You’re rebelling against something that will only bring you clarity and JOY. Give Him a chance to change your life, to soften your heart, to show that it’s okay to care and He will do it.

If you have Jesus in your heart, honor Him. Show everyone love and compassion. 

Just a simple smile given to a stranger walking by is appreciated. It definitely is by me, as it’s not so common these days.

Give up the rebellious act. Fight the Good Fight. Give love. Be humble. Kindness matters.

[ranpat-blog]

REVIVAL HANg0VeR

It’s a real thing.

This past weekend at LWWC, we had a ‘Daughters of the King’ Conference available for women only, thanks to Pastor Jennifer.

The conference was held on Friday night and Saturday morning, afternoon and night and it consisted of guest speakers who are *amazing* women of God.

Friday night, we had the honor of having Victoria Werneth and her husband James in the house to speak to us.

Victoria and I discussed some very intimate things in my life. She prayed over me and it was amazing. I am forever grateful for the way God uses her and speaks through her. What an amazing experience!

Saturday morning, we had the honor of hearing Kitty Martin speak. Kitty talked to us about how we see more of the world’s view of us instead of God’s and how a daughter of the KING, must start seeing herself as beautifully and wonderfully made, smart and FIERCE. Kitty’s boldness is so inspiring and the way she speaks is a voice with fire and complete love.

Saturday Afternoon and Saturday night, we had the honor of having Dr. Sherry Furlow speak to us. Sherry is an amazing woman of God. She is so kind and gentle and passionate. God spoke through her to me about something I was worrying about and I needed reassurance about. God spoke to her about my future and it was amazing!!! How he loves us.

I can’t express enough how awesome these women are! Such a blessing to witness God working through them.

God hears us. He sends amazing people like these women to come into our lives and show us firsthand, how much HE loves us.

Thank you so much Pastor Jennifer for inviting your friends to speak to us and to pray with us. I will ALWAYS remember this special time.

[ranpat-blog]

No Turning Back

Re-baptism: Some may not think it’s as important as the first go-around. Some may think that it sticks with you forever once you do it the first time. This weekend, Sunday morning, I was re-baptized right behind my best friend. Click on the hyperlink to read more about baptism. 

I chose to do this because I was a young girl the first time and I truly had no clue what I was really doing. Because as I grew older, I stayed far from the cross, just as so many young people do. Because I have grown so much in my relationship with God, that I am now capable of receiving His love. Because His love is better than any other. Because how could I not want to claim my love back for Him and to thank Him for this new life?

My life was changed for the better 6 months ago.

I told myself there was NO turning back.

My hobbies were completely changed, my reading and television habits were changed, my manners were changed, my heart was changed and my life was changed.

I felt as a 22-year-old, who has completely surrendered her life to Christ, I needed to proclaim this with baptism.

This baptism that took place at Living Water Worship Center, was one like I’ve never witnessed before. When I came up and took my first breath, I was filled with joy. I was proud. I AM proud to be His. <3

My best friend Kelsey, who is 23 has also re-dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized this weekend.

We worked on a video testimony that was shown for the very first time the morning of our baptism. Click on the hyperlink to read more about testimonies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLCiMvh-WPA

Oh, what it would be like if everyone spoke about the things God was doing in their life instead of what the enemy was doing.

We could all use Kelsey’s courage and voice to tell the world how good God is to us.

We, young people are not over looked by God. He wants us to share His love for others. He wants our voices to be bold. Click on the hyperlink to read articles written for young adult Christians. :)

1 Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

[ranpat-blog]

Set apart or popular?

Matthew 10:22 “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

I know that since I’ve made these major changes in my life, people have started to notice.

I know that some people had ugly things to say, jokes to crack, sarcastic remarks and so on. Some may say that I haven’t really changed and that I’m still just the same Randa.

And that’s okay. I learned to get over the hurtful things people say real quick.

But what about the good things people have to say? What about the people I’ve reached out to with every single Facebook, Instagram or Tumblr post and I didn’t even know it. 

And all of those postings on social media are not going to change the lives of every person that comes across them, but guess what? They saw them and a seed was planted.

So if you’ve recently re-dedicated your life to Christ and feel the pressure of those speaking negatively about you and your choice, you are not alone. 

Being a young adult, is hard enough as it is and then you throw being a Christian into the equation and it’s suddenly even more pressured and you’re not as popular. Click on the hyperlink to read some bible verses that will help you out! :)

I know without a doubt in my heart, that the positive outweighs the negative, any day. I will continue to tell others of God’s love for them and how they can receive that love by accepting Jesus as their savior. 

So keep spreading the word, pray for those who persecute you and mock your faith. You’re making the Father happy. :) He created you to be set apart.

On another note, I went to see Woodlawn with the girls in my small group last Saturday night and it was AWESOME. (Click on the hyperlink to read the full story on Woodlawn.) It was better than War Room in my personal opinion. The casting couldn’t have been better. It’s based on a true story and took place in Birmingham, so that made me want to see it that much more. It was a great story about all races coming together to stand up in courage and their faith for God, popular or not. Woodlawn is a MUST SEE. Click on the hyper link to watch trailer, see photos and read reviews on the movie.

[the-soul-doctor]

[randytemple-deactivated20180205]