New name

Today was an interesting day. My squad did our Bonus Blessing from 2-5am and to be honest, it wasn't really worth going back to sleep after that. I layed in my bed for about 30 minutes to rest my eyes(I sound like my mom), though the light prevailed and there was no sleep to be had.
Classes on Friday are a little different. We have what is called 'Holy Space.' Its a time to reflect back on the past week and look forward to what is coming. Danielle led us this morning(don't know if she will be filling this spot every week or not) and we learned a story.

She told us about the ritual that nuns do before they enter into the convent. They die to self - meaning that the rid themselves of their previous life and become a new person in God. They even receive a new name(eg. Mother Teresa). Danielle wanted us as a session to think about our past and think about what he can 'die to.' What a concept. I mean, I thought that I did this everyday in my devotions, and in various other acts with God...well, its never been anything like this!

We had a funeral service of sorts. There was a sheet on the floor, a sheet to lay over us, and candles lit all over the room. Sounds kind of morbid, I know, but the outword expression really was a good one. We took turns offering ourselves before God and 'dying' to ourselves. We could speak aloud what we were dying from, or we could keep it to ourselves. We spoke the words "I die to self" aloud and the session replied "You are now dead to self." Eery, isn't it? At that point we were asked to rise in the name of Jesus Christ and enter into this new community. Salvation Army dogtags were placed around our necks and we were welcomed into the community. We were also each given a new name by a great girl who has the gift of prophetic prayer(she really is amazing...I've been praying for this gift!).
My new name is:

'Strong in the Lord'
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand
against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:10, 11

I am no longer the Denise you once knew.

Blessings.