"Who Says It Has to be Itsy Bitsy?"

Click here to take a look at Jessica's swimwear line!

"God I Look to You"

Friends, I'm praying that the sweet truths of this song would grip our hearts today:  

“God I Look to You”

Jenn Johnson/Ian Mcintosh, Bethel Music Publishing, 2010

God I look to You, I won't be overwhelmed

Give me vision to see things like You do

God I look to You, You're where my help comes from

Give me wisdom; You know just what to do

I will love You Lord my strength

I will love You Lord my shield

I will love You Lord my rock forever

All my days I will love You God

Hallelujah our God reigns

Hallelujah our God reigns

Hallelujah our God reigns forever

All my days Hallelujah

Too Fat to be a Shark

You may remember that I posted this video a while ago, the one of the cat riding around on a Roomba chasing a ducky while dressed up in a shark costume.  Well, I became obsessed with the idea of dressing Darcy up as a little shark.  My sister surprised me with a cute hammerhead shark costume this weekend… but alas, she bought a dog small.  Little did she know that a dog small is way too small for Mr. D.  So, last night I exchanged the costume for a dog medium, thinking, of course, that there’s no way a cat could possibly require a dog large… well, I was wrong.  That’s right.  My cat is officially too fat for a dog medium.

So, he got a hammerhead shark bow tie instead.  I think it’s perfect for the summer… and accommodates his girth.  It’s also better for his self-confidence because he wears a dog x-small in collars.  

The Longing

This weekend, I went on a little road trip to Virginia and decided that I needed a new CD for the ride.  So, I downloaded All Sons & Daughters' third EP, "The Longing" (September 2012).  Goodness, I didn't know what I was in for... seriously, y'all, it's so good.  The lyrics and the melodies combine in such a beautiful way that my heart cannot help but worship.  Here are some of my favorite lines from the songs:  

“Let my life be for Your glory, woven in Your threads of grace.” 

Oh How I Need You

“Hallelujah, Name Above All, simply to speak Your name is praise. Hallelujah, now and always, forever we lift Your name in praise.  Hallelujah, our God rein, simply to speak Your name is praise.” 

Rising Sun

“We are loved when we feel most content with who we are, nothing more, nothing less.  We’ll inherit the earth declaring Your worth and bringing glory to Your name.”  

We are Blessed

“Love is and always was the longing placed inside my heart to know You and be known by You.  This place, this time won’t satisfy, my soul was made for You.  My eyes behold what’s beautiful and I belong to You.” 

The Longing

“I could just sit, I could just sit and wait for all Your goodness, hope to feel Your presence.  I could just stay, I could just stay right where I am and hope to feel You, hope to feel something again.  I could hold on, I could hold on to who I am and never let You change me from the inside.  I could be safe, I could be safe here in Your arms and never leave home, never let these walls down.  But you have called me higher, You have called me deeper.  And I’ll go where You will lead me, Lord… I will be Yours, Lord.  I will be Yours for all my life, so let Your mercy light the path before me.”  

Called Me Higher 

I found this lovely, old house out in the country during my weekend travels - beautiful, right! 

A Night with Jesus Culture

I recently had the privilege to see Jesus Culture, one of my favorite bands, live in concert - oh wow, what an amazing Spirit-filled night of worship!!  

For the last few years, I've been complaining that Jesus Culture never comes to the east coast.  They're a  band that grew out of Bethel Church in Redding, CA, and there was really never a good time for me to get out to Cali for a conference or show.  But, in January I was able to see Jesus Culture perform at Passion 2013 while I was volunteering as a Door Holder, and it was an amazing night!  Francis Chan preached an incredible, heartfelt word and then Jesus Culture led worship for about an hour afterwards.  One of my favorite nights ever... "wow" doesn't even begin to describe it!  

Francis Chan and Jesus Culture at Passion 2013

After I returned home from Passion, I became determined to see them in concert again - this time with friends in tow.  Well, low and behold... I found out that they were coming to Charlotte for their One Nights tour!  So, I jumped on board the early bird pre-sale and scored seats for my friends and me on the fourth row!  

We traveled over to Charlotte on a rainy night and settled into our fourth row seats.  We were fortunate enough to have an empty seat next to us so that we could spread out a little during worship - and we were quite thankful for that!  Derek Johnson opened the show and it was exciting to hear "I Belong to You" live (here's the acoustic version).  Then, Banning Liebscher preached a 30-minute message on being a light in our cities.  His message was very encouraging as he reminded us of the truth that light always defeats darkness - the battle is real, but the victory has already been won!  Of course, my favorite part of the night was the one and a half hour worship session led by Kim Walker-Smith, Chris Quilala, and the Jesus Culture band.  They played many songs off of their new albums, Still Believe (Kim Walker-Smith) and Live from New York (Jesus Culture featuring Martin Smith, formerly of Delirious?).  They played so many of my favorites, including "Holy Spirit," "Walk with Me," "Spirit Break Out," "Alive," and "Alleluia." Here are some pictures of the evening: 

Derek Johnson opened the show

 Jesus Culture! 

Kim Walker-Smith - absolutely amazing 

I encourage you to check out their music!  I honestly don't think that I've ever encountered a band whose songs cause me to worship the way Jesus Culture's music does.  They don't sing scripture, per se, but rather they sing about the effect scripture has on their hearts as they come face to face with Jesus in all His glory.  I also love that they sing about the Holy Spirit, who is often tragically the "forgotten God" as Francis Chan calls Him - but oh how special to sing songs about the Great Counselor who walks with me every day.  I recently heard someone say, "I can't think of any songs about the Holy Spirit... how strange!" And, of course, my response was, "Do you want me to sing some to you?!"  I love their passion and the way they aim to ignite a generation for God's glory.

Time to Detox

"... What we eat becomes us, and if we are eating poor theology, pointless words, or simply subsisting on entertainment, we will be fat on a feast that will ruin us."
- Lore Ferguson, "Discerning Gluttons", via the Gospel Coalition 

Pop radio, novels, fashion magazines, and mindless TV are like junk food for our minds, hearts, and souls.  Empty calories, artificial colors, and false advertising:  the world offers us a feast that is devoid of any spiritual nutrients, filled with artificial realities, and replete with false promises of a better life.  This can't be what God wants for us, right?  He doesn't desire that our minds are consumed with the latest fashion trends, pop songs, or reality TV gossip.  Rather, our Father desires that our hearts are joyfully consumed with His beauty as we daily abide in His abundant love.

Now, before you get defensive and tell me how much you love your favorite magazine or television show and begin explaining how it's "really not that bad"... please know that I've been right where you are.  Before God started convicting my heart about the junk in my life, I didn't stop to think how the TV shows, magazines, novels, music, and other forms of entertainment were completely warping my Christ-centered view of the world.  While my mind should have been focused on Christ, I was thinking about the latest trends or the drama that unfolded on last night's Real Housewives episode.  I realized I was spending more time wrapped up in pointless entertainment than dwelling in the throne room with the Most High.  That picture of life isn't what God's calling me to, and that's certainly not what He wants for me.  My life isn't about selfish pursuits and the things of this world, but rather whole-heartedly running to Christ with everything I have.  That includes my whole heart and my whole mind... all the time.

Think of it this way, if I fill up my car's tank with muddy sludge rather than premium gasoline, I'll completely ruin the car and not be able to drive where I need to go.  That's what happens when we saturate ourselves with the things of the world rather than abiding with Christ.  We fill ourselves up with the meaningless sludge of entertainment that clogs up our hearts and minds, hindering our ability to hear God's voice above the chaos of this world.  We can't walk with Him if we're overrun with sludge.

Friends, I think it's time to detox.  It's not my intention to bash popular entertainment or tell you that it's sinful to watch the latest blockbuster.  That's definitely not my place or my intention.  However, I am saying that we're over-saturated with the things of this world and as a result our minds are clouded and our hearts are tainted.  Hear my heart in this:  we've lost perspective on the things that really matter; we've focused our gaze on this world rather than on eternity; and we've replaced the One True God with counterfeit gods that cannot fulfill or satisfy.  We're running on empty and in desperate need of His Spirit to fill us with joy, peace, hope, and overflowing love.

So, here's my challenge:  take a period of time (I'd suggest at least one week) to fast from worldly distractions by feasting on true spiritual nourishment rather than junk food.  By doing this, you will refocus your gaze on Christ and tune into the voice of the Spirit.  I'd suggest getting a journal and reflecting throughout the week so that you can capture the emotions and hone in on what exactly God is teaching you during this purposeful time.  I'd recommend inviting a friend to join you so that you can walk through this hand-in-hand, encouraging each other along the way.

As you go about the process of getting rid of the junk, I'd like to point you to one of my faith heroes, Leslie Ludy.  Her writing has been so influential in my life as she has taught me about godly womanhood and savoring the beauty of a life set-apart for Christ.  I encourage you to read these two articles that will help add in the good stuff you as you begin to make space in the chaos to commune with our Most High God:

1.  Creating a Sacred Environment:  Create a sacred environment that promotes a set-apart lifestyle as you abide with Christ

2.  Our Spiritual Act of Worship:  Focus on godly discipline as a spiritual act of worship rather than dutiful obedience

Here's the important part:  after your period of fasting, monitor your reaction to the entertainment you used to love by noticing how it affects your thought patterns, emotions, attitude, desires, and interactions with others.  How is that different from the time you spent purposefully abiding with Christ?  You should see a monumental difference!  Thank God for his goodness and faithfulness!

Friends, be encouraged - this challenge is totally possible!  God sent his Son to redeem us, stopping at nothing to bring us into right relationship with Himself.  The same power that raised Christ from the grave is available to us today, and our Father jealously longs for our hearts.  Run to him with abandon and let His Spirit work in you.  Don't take this challenge for religion's sake and attempt to clean up the junk entirely out of your own strength.  Run to God and let him heal your heart.  Let His Spirit whisper Truth to your heart as you soak up the Word and fill your mind with praise and worship for our Creator.  Cast your gaze on the Son and take in the wonder of the cross.

I'd love to hear about your experiences with this challenge! Feel free to comment below or send me an email.   It will be my joy to pray for you as you go on this journey.

... Because I Love This

via YouTube 

The Green and Gray Days

I love rainy spring days because the newly budded green leaves look so vibrant against the stormy gray skies.  It's a special beauty that could so easily be missed if you're looking only for crystal blue skies and dogwood blossoms.  Some wish away days like today, dismissing them for the impending rain or perceived dreariness... but I savor these days:  the cool breeze, the pitter-patter of rain drops, and my favorite part, the green and gray.

So, in honor of this beautiful, rainy, spring day, I thought I'd share with you my top five favorite classical tunes.  You'll hear the sweet, somber notes of the cello (my absolute favorite instrument) take the spotlight in many of these tunes... simply love.  These pieces are my favorites so of course I'm biased, but I think they provide the perfect soundtrack for this lovely, peaceful day... maybe with the exception of Tchaikovsky, who is a long-time favorite composer after growing up immersed in the ballet world but perhaps a little energetic for today's mood... however, I couldn't put together a top five and leave out Tchaikovsky.  I hope you'll enjoy these beautiful songs as you soak up some of this rainy-day-goodness.

1.)  "Le Cygne" from Le Carnaval des Animaux, composed by Camille Saint-Saëns

2.) "Gabriel's Oboe" performed by Yo-Yo Ma, composed by Ennio Morricone, The Mission 
(The "Sergio Leone Suite" gets honorable mention for my Ennio Morricone pick!) 

3.) "Always Summer" from Brideshead Revisited (2008), composed by Adrian Johnston

4.) "Butterfly's Day Out," performed by Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, and Mark O'Connor, composed by Mark O'Connor

5.)  "The Garland Waltz" from The Sleeping Beauty, composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

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La Dolce Vita

Our sweet Burmese friends treated me and A to a lovely dinner full of their favorite foods.  It was quite the experience... but I am so thankful for their friendship, generous hearts, and amazing cooking skills!  

 I love exploring our local Asian supermarket.  They have such a great selection, and it's so much fun to find foods that I've been introduced to overseas. 

Happy birthday A!  We had a great afternoon celebrating with friends by the lake.  Fortunately the weather finally cooperated and gave us a nice spring-like day! 

Sleepy puppy faces are the best.  

Two handsome boys! 

This week I've been daydreaming about one of my favorite places and praying for my sweet friends there.  What a beautiful view! 

Oceans

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders.
Let me walk upon the waters
wherever You would call me.
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander,
and my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior.
Hillsong United, "Oceans"

Tetelestai

"...So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them...When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, 'It is finished,' and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." 
- John 19:16-18, 30

Tetelestai is the original Greek word from which we get the translation "It is finished." In Jesus' time, tetelestai was the word written on documents and receipts to show that a bill was paid in full.

My sin and death separated me from God adding up to a debt I could never repay, and the only way back into right relationship with God was Jesus' declaration of "tetelestai," which for me literally means Jesus in my place.  He paid my sin-debt and he paid yours, accomplishing everything necessary for salvation as he defeated sin and death.  What grace, what love, what hope!  Through His death and resurrection I have been freely given life everlasting and communion with God, not because of anything I have done, but because of what Jesus accomplished in my place.

Today, I am remembering the sorrow of Good Friday while looking to the cross with overwhelming joy knowing that my hope is found in nothing less than the saving blood of Jesus Christ. 

"Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." Isaiah 49:16

The Reward of His Suffering

"The Reward of His Suffering," by Matt Papa

Visit http://thereward.org/ for more information 

EVERY PENNY FROM THIS SONG, FOR THE LIFE OF THE SONG, IS DEDICATED TO GLOBAL MISSIONS.

The One In Which John Piper Prayed Over Me

In case you missed the big news, this weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Dr. John Piper of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, who is in town for the 2013 Advance the Church Conference.  Dr. Piper preached at the Summit Church this weekend, and it was a joy to meet such a great man of God and have him pray over my life and upcoming decisions... yes, for those of you who know... he prayed over that upcoming decision.  Wow!  What a special moment! 

I’m so thankful for Dr. Piper's faithfulness to the calling God has placed on his life as he continually spurs me on “to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ” (Dr. Piper’s life mission statement).  The most important thing that I have learned from Dr. Piper is that “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”  Truth! 

This morning, I re-visited Dr. Piper’s Passion 2013 sermon, which walks through the book of Hebrews and is titled “Embrace Suffering.”  The video recording is almost as good as seeing it live… almost (yes, another reason you should be a Door Holder at Passion 2014!).  In this terrific sermon, Dr. Piper outlines the foundation for enduring and embracing the suffering that will come as we follow Jesus in the path of love as our hearts joyfully treasure the promised reward:  

1)      A pervasive, deep, soul-satisfaction in a future, glorious, Christ-filled hope;

2)      That soul-satisfaction in a Christ-saturated future frees you from self-protecting fear;

3)      And that freedom from self-enhancing, self-enhancing, self-gratifying fear releases you to embrace suffering in the cause of love no matter the cost.

In his sermon, Dr. Piper noted that according to Hebrews 10, our foundation should be “laid [on the truth that we have] a reward that is better, infinitely better.  ‘In your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forever more’ (Psalm 16:11).  Nothing the world can offer – or take – can compare with that; and therefore, [we] are free from our self-protecting fear… and [we] will love out of this hope!”

Therefore, we "embrace suffering for the sake of love because of the indestructible hope which is God’s relation to us in Jesus!"

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?  As it is written, ‘For your sake are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.’  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39

Happy Birthday DC!

This little boy is three years old today! Happy birthday Darcy Cat! 

(In case you were wondering, D.C. also stands for "darn" cat, which  is my Dad's, ah-hem, loving nickname for Darcy.)

The many faces of D.C.

Lovin' life in his tutu.

Best fwends. Cousins. Frenemies.

I promise I'm really not a cat lady... this little bug is just so sweet! 

And he thinks he's a dog, so we get along just fine :)

"Stranger"

Mandi Mapes | "Stranger" from AsiaStories on Vimeo.

"Let It Shine"

Mandi Mapes | "Let It Shine" from AsiaStories on Vimeo.

"We are the Body"

Mandi Mapes | "We Are The Body" from AsiaStories on Vimeo.

Clearing the Stage

This morning at work, I was listening to Jimmy Needham – he’s one of my “go to” artists and I definitely recommend all of his music – and a few verses of the song “Clear the Stage” caught my attention:

“Tell your friends that this is where the party ends 


Until you're broken for your sins, you can't be social.


Then seek the Lord and wait for what He has in store 


And know that great is your reward, so just be hopeful.


Take a break from all the plans that you have made 


And sit at home alone and wait for God to whisper.

Beg Him please to open up His mouth and speak

And pray for real upon your knees until they blister.




Shine the light on every corner of your life

Until the pride and lust and lies are in the open

Then read the Word and put to test the things you've heard 


Until your heart and soul are stirred and rocked and broken”


So, I want to ask you… how often do you truly humble yourself before God’s throne and seek His presence?  How often do you step out of your daily life, setting apart quiet time to be still with God?  How often do you bare your heart before the Father and ask Him to transform you, mold you, break you?  And, I’m talking about more than a daily quiet time.

If this isn't a regular part of your walk with God, then maybe it’s time to consider asking yourself why you aren't purposefully dwelling in the presence of God.  Maybe you’re afraid of what He’ll ask you to do or what He might say?  Maybe you’re afraid that He won’t look upon you because of the sin in your life? Maybe you are just making excuses because you’re lazy?  It’s time to get honest with yourself and with God.  The only way we can do battle against our sin is with the power of God working in and through us:  His might, His strength, His wisdom, and His salvation for our good and His glory.

Let me encourage you to carve out special, extended time to abide with Christ.  It may mean taking an extra vacation day or setting aside a few hours on a Saturday afternoon.  Pick a spot where you can be completely focused and free from distractions.  (For me personally, I prefer to go to a quiet lake or peaceful park where I can be outside.)  Turn off your phone and leave your iPad at home.  Go alone, just you and God.  Take your Bible, a notebook, and some tissues (because I guarantee you that you will be moved to tears in the presence of our holy God).  Talk to God, use your voice.  Get on your knees and pray.  Sing and rejoice because of the grace and mercy you have been shown.  Bask in His light and love. 

Purposefully abiding with Christ is such a precious privilege.  Jesus came to earth, fully man and fully God, lived the life I could never live, died the death I deserved to die, and defeated sin and death when he rose from the grave and took his position at the right hand of God.  Because of that profound truth, I – me! a sinner! – have been given the incredible ability to dwell with the Most High God.  You have the same privilege. 

Right now as I am in a time of decision making, it has been so crucial for me to carve out purposeful time to pursue God and commune with him.  First and foremost, my objective is to grow in love and adoration for my Savior as I give him honor and glory.  And secondly, there are a few things for which I need God’s wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  It’s my joy to be still before the Lord.  And I know that God delights in me when I delight in Him!  

So, whether you need God to speak into your life, break an idol, free you from a sin, or exchange truth for a lie you are believing, be purposeful about carving out intentional time to sit in God’s presence.  Bow before the throne, leave your day-to-day life behind, and soak in the goodness and faithfulness of our Father.  He will hear your cries.  He will act.  He will meet you in a wave of love and grace.  I promise you that He will overwhelm you with His lovingkindess.  

PS:  Consider fasting in conjunction with purposeful time set apart for God.  If you're interested in fasting or just want to learn more, let me point you to a series of posts by my pastor JD Greear that you will certainly find helpful and encouraging:

http://www.jdgreear.com/my_weblog/2011/03/prayer-and-fasting-part-3.html

http://www.jdgreear.com/my_weblog/2011/03/prayer-and-fasting-part-2.html

http://www.jdgreear.com/my_weblog/2011/03/why-we-fast-part-2.html

http://www.jdgreear.com/my_weblog/2011/03/prayer-and-fasting-part-1.html

http://www.jdgreear.com/my_weblog/2009/02/breaking-the-power-of-your-body-over-you.html

We are called. We are loved. We are kept.

C.J. Mahaney, Pastor of Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville, KY, preaches from Jude 1 on those who are called and kept for Christ’s purposes at the 2013 20/20 Conference at South Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

This is truly one of the best sermons I have ever heard.  Please take an hour to listen to this encouraging message - you won't be the same after hearing these affirming words about God's great love for you.  

Wisdom from Amma

Here's a little wisdom from Amy Carmichael, known lovingly as "Amma" (mother) by her children and fellowship family in India.  In this section of A Chance to Die, a biography written by Elisabeth Elliot, Amy Carmichael addresses seeking guidance from the Lord before making a decision, discerning a calling, and then standing firm against the enemy's attacks after you surrender to that calling and God's will.  There is great wisdom in her words that has been very helpful to me over the last few weeks.  I hope you will also find strength and encouragement from Amma today.

Finding guidance from the Lord:  “They found that [guidance] came through circumstances, through careful thought, through the general feeling which followed prayer and fasting, by an impelling sense of duty, or a word from the Lord.  This ‘word’ might be something remembered at the crucial moment, or a direct command… [a] word which ‘doth in a way known to Himself twine and bind the heart which way He pleaseth.'”  To this point, Carmichael “quoted Westcott’s note on John 12:28, 29, ‘The apprehension of the divine voice depends upon a man’s capacity for hearing.’”

Knowing your calling: “As for a ‘call,’ this was a matter of waiting at the Lord’s feel for quiet assurance. ‘A call is just that.’”

Standing against opposition:  After discerning and acting upon a calling, "let her prepare her heart for temptations… She will be instantly set up against all sorts of attack and this will increase after she takes the next step."  Carmichael suffered many attacks from the enemy, “and no wonder.  Her aims were otherworldly.  The purer the aim, the more vehement the opposition, human and spiritual, ‘for our fight is not against any physical enemy:  It is against the organizations and powers that are spiritual.  We are up against the unseen power that controls this dark world, and spiritual agents from the very headquarters of evil.’”

All quotes taken directly from, A Chance to Die, by Elisabeth Elliot

Writing, Reading, Baking, and Snowing: An Update

As you can see, I've put some work into giving this little blog a bit of a face lift - it's much prettier now, don't you think?!

In the past few days, here's what I've been...

WRITING

 Check out the aritcle I wrote for Global Hope India's latest newsletter here.

READING

I have found this newly released book to be so encouraging and challenging - pick up your copy on Amazon! I'm so thankful for this Summit family and their story. 

 & BAKING

Snowy days are perfect for baking strawberry blueberry bread.  Delicious! 

Yes, it really did snow again! Here's proof:

Stay tuned for more updates! 

Substituting the Spirit

“We may as well face it: the whole level of spirituality among us is low. We have measured ourselves by ourselves until the incentive to seek higher plateaus in the things of the Spirit is all but gone… (We) have imitated the world, sought popular favor, manufactured delights to substitute for the joy of the Lord, and produced a cheap and synthetic power to substitute for the power of the Holy Ghost.” 

-A. W. Tozer

What's in a Wordle?

Have you ever thought about the words you use?  Through Wordle, I was able to analyze my blog posts, looking at the frequency with which I use certain words.  It's fun to step back and take this "big picture" look at my writing.  I guess I'm not too surprised by what I found out :)

Sisters of the Common Life

In her biography of Amy Carmichael, missionary to India for fifty-three years, Elisabeth Elliot discusses the ways in which Amy sought to disciple the women who joined her family as fellow servants and laborers for Christ.  What strikes me in particular about this extraordinary group is the “confession of love” that each woman committed to before gaining admittance to the group, which was known as the Sisters of the Common Life.  I love how this poetic vow summaries the core truths each aspired to as they desired nothing less than godliness and perfect devotion to Jesus Christ. The confession of love is recounted by Elliot on pages 241-242 of A Chance to Die:

My Vow.

Whatsoever Thou sayest unto me, by Thy grace I will do it.

My Constraint.

Thou art able to keep that which I have committed unto Thee.

My Joy.

To do Thy will, O God.

My Discipline.

That which I would not choose, but which Thy love appoints.

My Prayer.

Conform my will to Thine.

My Motto.

Love to live, live to love.

My Portion.

The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance. 

Teach us, good Lord, to serve Thee as Thou deservest; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labor and not to ask for any reward save that of knowing that we do Thy will, O Lord our God. 

May we, women of God and fellow heirs to this sisterhood, take up the servant's heart and commit our lives to the pursuit of nothing less than whole-hearted love and devotion to our God. 

Happy Birthday Blog! You're 2 Years Old

I can't believe it's been two years since I began this little blog of mine.  It's been so much fun to have an outlet for my writing

I also can't believe how life has changed in those two short years... when I started this adventure, I was knee-deep in graduate school, spending sleepless nights grading student papers on "why Odysseus is a hero," and maintaining a full schedule of volunteer activities.  Since then, I have:

- Traveled!  My trips to South East Asia and Central Asia certainly top the list :)
- Became a Master... by finishing my M.A. degree
- Started an incredible job... and then got promoted to a job I love three months later!
- Narrowed down my volunteer activities so I can truly pour myself into the things about which I am passionate
- Made many sweet new friends (who live as close as the room next to mine and as far away as cities around the world)
- Bought a car!
- Gained a puppy nephew that I love to spoil rotten
- Read 42 books
- Ran through a field of sunflowers in the countryside of one of the most beautiful countries (bucket list item - check!)
- Lived in three different houses... all within 5 minutes of each other
- Stood by my Mom's side as she kicked cancer's butt (bravest, strongest woman I know!)
- Finally made it to Passion as a "door holder" (an incredible experience that really deserves its own blog post)
- Grown, changed, laughed, loved, learned, and so many other things - I am thankful.

It's been an exciting couple of years, and I am so thankful for the many ways I see God working in my life, perfectly orchestrating even the tiniest details to weave together my story.  Every day I'm learning more and more about what it means to abide with Christ and dwell in His presence.  I'm so looking forward to the things to come and I can't wait to share a little bit of my journey with you. 

Just for fun, here are a few of my favorite posts from the last two years:

God's Plan for Your Life and Figuring Out Your "Calling" - January 17, 2011

What Does the Bible Have to Say About Food? - September 22, 2011

I'm Not On Hold - May 25, 2012

A Piece of My Heart - June 26, 2012

So Much More to Come - July 10, 2012

Living Every Day on Purpose - July 24, 2012

A Lesson on Potting Soil - July 30, 2012

Waiting Expectantly - December 7, 2012

Dapper

Doesn't Mr. Darcy look so handsome in his tie?

27 Million

Today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day - an estimated 27 MILLION people are in various forms of slavery around the world (including the US). Do something about it:

http://enditmovement.com/

By the way... 27 MILLION is the equivalent of all the people in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. (July 1, 2012 numbers)

We're in it to end it.  Are you?

Friday Thoughts

I'm reading Amy Carmichael's biography, A Chance to Die, which is beautifully written by Elisabeth Elliot.  As I was reading during my lunch break, I came across a few quotes that I'd like to share with you.  They are mostly unrelated to each other, but I ask that you take some time to think through these important words:

“The great passion of Amy Carmichael’s life was uttermost love, which meant uttermost obedience.  The prayer of Jeremy Taylor was always hers:  Lord, do Thou turn me all into love, and all my love into obedience, and let my obedience be without interruption.” (p. 151)

“Often she ministered to professing Christians.  But, they said, the kind of Christianity she presented would cost too much…’We know what it means now, and it is very inconvenient,’ said one.” (p. 158)

“A few lines from On the Threshold of Central Africa, by M. Coillard, spoke for Amy, ‘If those friends who blame… could see what we see, and feel what we feel, they would be the first to wonder that those redeemed by Christ should be so backward in devotion, and know so little of the spirit of self-sacrifice.  They would be ashamed of the hesitations that hinder us.  But we must remember that it was not by interceding for the world in glory that Jesus saved it.  He gave himself.  Our prayers for the evangelization of the world are but a bitter irony so long as we only give of our superfluity and draw back before the sacrifice of ourselves.’” (p. 164)