Tag: moving forward

What An Awesome God

Published on by Kimberly Novak1 Comment

It is no secret how I feel about Christian Worship music, especially songs written by Phil Wickham. God has always used music as a way to speak to my heart. Sometimes the lyrics have given me little warnings of something on the horizon. At other times, the music serves as a means for God to comfort me, filling me with love and joy.

A few weeks ago, I downloaded Phil’s newest song, “What An Awesome God,” and within seconds, my toes began to tap, my shoulders started swaying, and before I knew it, my arms were reaching to the clouds in praise to our Heavenly Father.

After listening to the lyrics, I was completely at peace, and I knew that God was about to do something miraculous in my life. It has been a year and five months since my traumatic brain injury, and my healing journey has been full of ups and downs. I am one of the lucky ones; I have been left with only mild side effects. Still, though, I have been dealing with what seemed like one new diagnosis after another.

In a previous post, I wrote about the visions I experienced while in the hospital, where Jesus’ crown floated around my room. Since then, I have been praying over and over again about what a wonderful gift I received. Not just the gift of life, but the chance to see the face of Jesus through the vision of His crown.

This Lent, our church allowed venerating the crucifix. This, I pondered, is my moment. My chance to give Jesus all of my bodily pain, my tears, and my love. Perhaps this is the moment God had in mind all along. I didn’t even think, as my turn at the cross arrived. I reached my hands and touched the crown on Jesus’ head, and gently kissed Him right where I feel my pain. Tears of joy and hope fell from my eyes, and I praised my Awesome God for the gift of life both now and in eternity. Life, given to me by the sacrifice of His only Son.

My head pain subsided the next day. I didn’t want to react too quickly, thinking maybe I was just having a good day. As the weeks went by, though, I knew I had been healed. Or the medication I was given was finally working. Either way, I was grateful.

Fast forward to a month ago when I faced yet another diagnosis. Here we go, I thought. God took one thing away, and now I’ll get something new. I allowed myself to grieve health in a sense, but then turned to prayer. God showed up big time! In the process of diagnostic testing, I had to stop taking the headache medication for a few days. I was sure the pain would be more than I could bear, but I had no choice if we were to get to the bottom of another possible health crisis.

It has been one week since I stopped that medication, and I have had no headache! Proof positive that God healed my pain as I kissed Jesus’ head on Good Friday! It is also an answer to the prayers of many people who have been praying earnestly on my behalf. Also praiseworthy is that the new diagnosis they were testing me for came back negative! I see this as an opportunity given to me by God to go off that medication. He knew I didn’t need it anymore, but he had to show me. He used the laboratory tests as a way to do that.

God has always been very creative in the ways he gets my attention! And I love it when he uses Phil’s music to do so. If you’re looking for some praise music that may be life-changing, put on your dancing shoes and sing along with Phil…
“My God, You’re an awesome God
You’re great in all You do
I’m made to worship You
My God, You’re an awesome God!”

A Beloved Daughter of God Set Free

Published on by Kimberly NovakLeave a comment

“See what the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.” 

1 John 3:1 (NRSV)

I attended an UNBOUND conference recently, and the blessings I received during and after have been life-changing. UNBOUND is a model of prayer for healing and deliverance from Neal Lozano and Heart of the Father Ministries.  

The real treat for me was that Father Boniface Hicks, OSB, a Benedictine monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey, a Catholic priest, and the Director of Spiritual Formation and the Institute for Ministry Formation at Saint Vincent Seminary, presented the content for the day.

I have become familiar with Father Boniface through the opportunity to write book reviews for two of his authored and co-authored books with CatholicMom.com. In his writings and video courses, Father’s gentle and thoughtful ways of praying always captivate my heart. I knew signing up for a conference he spoke at would not disappoint!

I went into the conference with little information on UNBOUND, but knowing Father Boniface’s background, I had high expectations. The day’s agenda allowed every participant to experience and immediately put into practice a life-changing model of prayer. A simple definition of UNBOUND is that it is a well-balanced and easy-to-follow teaching method as long as one has an open heart and is ready to surrender everything to our Lord.

As for me, I am made new! That day, I left a lot of baggage in the church hall, mixed in with healing tears and the full knowledge that I am a beloved daughter of God the Father. I am more equipped to apply the Gospel to my life and have renewed faith in allowing God to run the ship!

It is amazing and much easier to see ourselves as God sees us when we make room for His love by renouncing and taking authority over spirits that ultimately bring us down. Additional key takeaways from attending an UNBOUND conference are:

·       Pain deserves to be repaired, no matter what has caused it; all you need to do is permit Jesus to do His work.

·       God never forgets, hears all our prayers, and knows our hearts.

·       When we struggle with something, it is the enemy trying to undo what God has done.

·       We are meant to bless each other!

·       True identity is found in the heart of God.

I recommend attending an UNBOUND conference or scheduling an appointment with a group in your area. You will have no regrets, transformation will ensue, and you will feel God’s love. God has already planned for you to check it out, just as He planned for you to read this program review. Don’t hesitate; let God steady the ship and take you on his chartered course.

If you have attended an UNBOUND conference or session, I welcome you to share your thoughts in the comments.

Blessings,

Kimberly

Informational Links:

Neal Lozano and Heart of the Father Ministries.  

Father Boniface

https://www.fatherboniface.org/wordpresshome/monastic-musings/

CatholicMom.com.

www.kimberlynovak.com

A Hallelujah for The Win!

Published on by Kimberly NovakLeave a comment

The saying “things come in threes” is a popular myth, we will call it, that usually surrounds unfortunate events. Once two events are connected by subject or person, one believes one more is on the way. Recently, I received a link to a new song from three people on three different dates; this was a big red flag for me that this song needed my attention!

I prefer to live with the saying “good things come in threes” because if you really think about it, once an unfortunate event has occurred, it is most often followed by a positive event, or dare I say, “light at the end of the tunnel.” The problem is that most of us cannot see that light when we are knee deep in the throes of despair. Many resources, such as Christian Worship Music, can help pull us through those moments. I knew this new song, sent to me in threes, would be very good.

As I listened to Brandon Lake’s newest song, “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” I thought about the many trials I have triumphed over, and those yet to be won. I reflected on the role my relationship with God plays in everything life throws at me. I decided to jot down words or phrases God pointed out, and I couldn’t take notes fast enough. Faith over fear was my overall interpretation of Brandon’s message, at least to my heart.

I hope Brandon’s passion becomes contagious. We could have a major revival if we all prayed, like he sings. Once I settled into the song, many lyrics touched my heart in unique ways and gave me a chance to know what I needed to surrender and what required fervent prayer.

The chorus of the song paints a perfect picture of faith over fear as Brandon takes the listener into a powerful conversation with God,

“I’ll bring my hard-fought heartfelt
Been-through-hell hallelujah
I’ll bring my storm-tossed, torn-sail
Story to tell hallelujah
God, You’ve been patient
God, You’ve been gracious
Faithful whatever I’m feeling or facing
So I’ll bring my hard-fought, heartfelt
It is well hallelujah“

The musical interlude, or bridge, allows one to reflect on any emotions that bubble up. In my case, it provided time to focus on what needs the attention of faith over fear and a hard-fought hallelujah lifted to the Heavens. Usually, the softer ballads of Christian music tug at my heart strings, but this song has taken quite the hold. The familiar reactions to life events in the lyrics Brandon has chosen, allow me to face the struggles, and offer them to God as each one settles in my soul.

As a prayer warrior, I like to pair songs with God’s word, giving me a package deal when something in my life needs a faith lift. One of my go-to scripture verses is Philippians 4:13 (NASB), which says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Adding this passage before and after the chorus is the perfect marriage and sets the tone for a successful mission, regardless of destination. The key phrase in the chorus for me is, “faithful whatever I’m feeling or facing,” which serves as an act of surrender and trust.

I encourage you to listen and reflect on how the music and lyrics have affected your heart, mind, and body language. Every time I hear it, I cannot help but lift my fists to the air and drop to my knees in a heartfelt and hard-fought hallelujah. Don’t forget to share in the comments to encourage, inspire, and uplift one another.

Blessings,

Kimberly Novak

Courageous Butterfly