Learning to treasure:


---> Forgiveness.
---> Humility.
---> Wisdom of the ages.
---> Reading
---> Musical genius.
---> Simplicity.
---> Structure.
---> Photography.
---> Quiet.
---> Letters.
---> Encouragement.
---> Challenge.
---> Mittens.
---> Love.
---> Servant hearts.
---> Expression.
---> Spontaneity. 
---> Creativity.

Loving the sweet sound of "Girl from the North Country" ---> Nicholas Gunty.
I've got quite a lot on the brain this evening. 
Wishing I had enough time and ink to write it all down.

I'm diggin' these.

With a thankful heart, Oh Lord, I come.


.Sunshine+snow combo.
.Sister-dear who went home sick but proceeded to clean the house and bake my dadio a birthday cake. She rocks. 
.Group prayer.
.Letters from my kindred spirit.
.Purses from Mexico.
.Christmas caroling ministry.
.Simplicity.
.Home made gifts.
.Snow scrapers.
.No TV.
.Fireplaces. 


.This guy's beard.

.

Do not grow weary.

"Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord."
//Hebrews 12:12-14.

Today I will rejoice and be glad.
He is alive: working out His beautiful grace of sanctification within my soul.
Today I will rejoice and be glad.
He has the entire world in but the palm of His hand.
Today I will rejoice and be glad.
He is made perfect in my weaknesses.
Today I will rejoice and be glad.
He has invited me to cast all my burdens upon Himself, because He cares for me.
Today I will rejoice and be glad.
He reveals His extraordinary power in the tiniest of ways.
Today I will rejoice and be glad.
He has conquered death.
Today I will rejoice and be glad.
He has placed His robe of righteousness upon me.
Today I will rejoice and be glad.
He is faithful unto the end.
Today I will rejoice and be glad.

I think this is awesome. I want to get a group together to make/purchase blankets. 
It's cold outside. People are cold outside.
I have a friend who participates in a blanket ministry in Detroit.


Lord, You put this on my heart. Turn this passion into action. I am Your hands and feet.

{Thoughts that may or may not make sense together in paragraphs.}
Started reading "A Reflective Life" this afternoon. And yes, I'd highly recommend it. I'm only on the 2nd chapter, and I can't wait to continue absorbing all the wisdom this guy [Ken Gire] has to offer. There was a section about how people these days are hungry for the quiet, that we don't look into each other's eyes because we're too busy, too fast paced. That did something to me. Sparked something, maybe. I've thought about it this evening, trying to chew it over, apply it, and see what my wonderful Maker was trying to tell me. 
Still not sure.
But that's alright. He's renewing me day after day: sanctifying me in the most beautiful of ways. So that I may become more like His son, my Mediator, Jesus. And this little tid-bit of wisdom I've been chewing on, is just one instance of His hand. His ever constant presence. His overwhelming grace. 
I'm thankful. Actually, I want to raise my hands and my voice and sing and clap and river dance till I can't stand. He. Is. Good. Always.
Brad asked what verse(s) pop into our heads, stick out to us. Ones that most likely influenced or been a comfort to us.
Well. This is mine.


"He is faithful, even when we are faithless."
//2 Tim. 2:13.
                       And thank God.

The Lord calls me His own. His beautiful bride. Someday I will stand before my prince [Jesus]. Oh, how I long for that day.

"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice."
//Philippians 4:4.


Not just a suggestion.

A few things I'm thankful for [more to come].


1. The dedicated preaching of the word of our Lord.
2. Servant hearts.
3. Water bottles.
4. Ma famille.
5. Kindred spirit bonding.
6. Health.
7. Forgiveness.
8. Music.
9. Hand made gifts.
10. Letters.
11. Photography.
12. Godly, encouraging friends.
13. Adoption.
14. Worship. Lifting hands.
15. Exotic fruit green tea.

At school. Finding pictures of my thoughts. Here they are.

I'd like to make cards like this for people.

Not sure why people don't take pictures like this anymore...

Our school recently built one of these right outside the football stadium. 

I'd like to visit here.

Or here.

There's just too much to be thankful for.

This reminds me of Emas.

Double fist bumps for whoever made this quilt.

This is just awesome.

I wish more girls believed this about themselves.

Life, lately.

Father, teach me trust -
to rely.
to have a confident expectation.
to be completely dependent.
to have faith that moves mountains.
to invest (my thoughts, time, actions).


You are good, Lord. Always.

Prayer

It will become an immediate response as we learn that we are completely dependent.

He calls me His bride.


Wow.

Rejoicing in this day.
Just me and Jesus, precious communion, this morning. No one else around. Very few distractions. Writing, reading, worshiping. The colors outside are incredible.
I'm hungry for worship. The gathering of dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Good thing Sunday is just a couple days away.
So thankful for the many wonderful bruthahs and sistahs in Christ He has so richly blessed me with.


God, teach me to love.

I pray that my mind may be consumed with
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable,
whatever is excellent,
and whatever is worth praise.

Il nous aime d'un amour éternel.


You love us with an everlasting love. Thank you, God.

This makes me want to worship.

A roadtrip is well past due.

I've been diggin' Jeremy Messersmith today. 
Specifically: "7:02" and "A Girl, A Boy, And A Graveyard"
Also. Ray LaMontagne. Period.

I'm forgiven, because He was forsaken.
Thank you, Jesus.

I wrote this last year. Still learning.

God is love.
something I know I don't think about very much.
and not only is he the essence of love.

but He loves.
He loves me.
He loves me.

why is it so hard for me to believe?
why do I so often turn away?
so slow to embrace Him. embrace His love.

I read on a friend's blog today that God is jealous.
He wants to be pursued too.
He wants to be loved too.

that kinda woke me up.

sometimes I fall into this overwhelming self pity about how I don't
feel loved.
don't feel pursued.
except now that I think about it,
God has to feel the same way.
He knows my pain.
He knows my sorrows.
He knows my weaknesses.
He knows my desires.
He knows my needs.

But God has desires too.
He wants my love. He wants my relationship. He wants my time.
He doesn't just want them. He is jealous for them.
He is fighting all those other things (people, activities, books.
etc...)
that I seem to give my time to in a heartbeat.
and yet when it comes to God,
I complain.
spending time with Him just doesn't seem as good as with boys.
just doesn't seem as meaningful as my books.
and just doesn't seem as fun as ultimate frisbee.

But the truth is,
i think i just really need to wake up.
because all creation is screaming at me to.
because God IS good enough.
His love IS sufficient.
His amazing grace IS all I need.

And I'm learning to be thankful.

like David in a lot of the Psalms.
so overwhelmed with the joy of his relationship with God.
speaking and singing and writing praises to Him.
out of a heart of worship.

That's what I desire.

[a heart of worship.]

He gives me peace.

I have nothing but praise to bring to you, Father.

You are good. I'm so thankful, so unworthy of Your love.

Your mercies are new each morning.

Glorify Your name through me, God. Make Yourself known to the ends of the earth. Lead me. 

Awesome.

He is at work. He breaks my heart. Humiliates my pride. Showers mercy on my stupidity. Reveals Himself to my clouded vision. 
He is greater than I. I am His. 
These trials, emotions, worries...I give them to You, Father. 
Thank you for Your word. For your promises.
Thank you for Your faithfulness. Your constant care. Your power. 
Jesus, thank you for the cross. For Your sufferings. Make me believe that my suffering unites me with You. Thank you for forgiveness. For lessons learned more than once.
Thank you for relationships. These hands I have, use them. They are not my own. Teach me to serve. To put on a heavenly mindset. Let me love because You loved me first. May all I do, every word I speak, bring glory to Your name. El Elyon: Most High. 

The Lord is good,

a refuge in times of trouble.

He cares for those who trust in Him.

//Nahum 1:7.

I like having friends [vdv's] who are very into music. They know what's up. It intrigues me. I value their opinions and suggestions.


This is what I've been listening to lately:
Bluetree.
Sara Groves.
Bruno Mars.
Sky Sailing.
Hellogoodbye.
Imogen Heap.
Paramore.
Sufjan Stevens.


This is what I'd like to listen to more:
Attack Attack.
Mewithoutyou.
M. Ward.
Spoon.
Arcade Fire.
Panda Bear.
Animal Collective.
Emery.

Forgiven. Renewed. Purified. Sanctified. Cleansed. Loved. Saved. Redeemed. Adopted. Chosen. Humbled. Delighted. Taken. Created. Molded. 
These things I am: as a child of God.
I'm thankful.


Lord, forgive my hypocrisy, my pride, my neglect to keep my eyes ever focused on you. Your love is life, Oh Lord. Fill me with yourself, for You are all I need.

He wasn't in the fire,
He wasn't in the quake,
He wasn't in the wind,
He's in a whisper.


//Bluetree.

Africa is on my mind.

God has continually given me the gift of learning, lately. I've been asking for wisdom, and I think He is answering. Wisdom is to be treasured. Much more than gold and rubies. 


But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
//James 3:17.


I desire His wisdom.

I'm thankful for the preaching at Harvest. The gospel is joyfully proclaimed. Godliness is urged and encouraged. His hand is over us. I want our church to be known for it's welcoming spirit - accepting, void of any judgement. I want us to continually be spreading Christ crucified to eachother as members, to the community, and to the ends of the world: raising up men and women on fire for serving in missions around the world.

I miss my kindred spirit.

Emily Jo. 

it's been too long since I've seen her radiant face.

Emma and I have started writing letters to each other. 

Mostly about ourselves. 

What we've been learning about ourselves 

and our sin 

and our relationship with Jesus. 

They've been great. 

She has so many gifts. 

She blesses me in countless ways. 

She is a precious jewel.

I'm thankful for her.

This morning, some friends and I were talking about what we'd like our futures to look like.
This is what I desire:

An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:10-31.

Holiness, holiness, is what I long for.
Holiness, is what I need.

One of my new favorite songs, "Your Love", Bluetree. 


"Your love, Your everlasting love
Transforms me
It brings me to my knees again
And worship on my knees again
Great is Your name
In all of the earth
Your grace, your unending grace
It lifts me
It brings me to my knees again
And worship on my knees again
Your blood, your unfailing blood
It saves me
It brings me to my knees again
And worship on my knees again
Great is Your name
In all of the earth"


I'm thankful for N today. For his precious friendship. His gift of leadership. His servant heart. His bold spirit. His love for the gospel and for the furtherance of the Kingdom of God. His consideration and kind heart. His joy and easy going personality. His flexibility and optimistic outlook. I'm thankful we're best friends.
I'm thinking about my future. Where I see myself in ten years. I'm nervous. I don't want an ordinary lifestyle. I want to travel. I want to proclaim the love of Jesus to the ends of the earth...literally. I want to love on orphans and on widows and on the lonely. I want to lead worship and teach English and Bible classes in Africa and India and Venezuela and Mexico. I want to explore. I want to give hope to the hopeless. I know that there is so much need here in the states, and I know that being a Christian, my life already isn't ordinary. Every word I speak is to be for the glory of my Father. Every action is done out of the love that has been so abundantly given to me. I can give hope here. I can be a missionary here. I can love on orphans and widows here. I can do all these things here, because I know that wherever I end up, God is faithful. He promises to use his people. I am His hands and His feet. I am His servant. My life is not my own. I pray that in every circumstance, I will be overwhelmed with thanksgiving. I want my life to give off an aroma of peace and contentment.


Greater is He that is in you, that he that is in the world.

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice!
//philippians 4:4.

I'm rejoicing in this day. Gorgeous weather, laundry to do, house ready to clean, brunch with my sister, many books to read, clothes to fold, kindred spirit bonding time later, duet music research, toe nails ready to cut and re-paint, blank pages ready for prayers, words of life [bible] open, worship music on full volume. How great is the love of God. He has lavished His blessings on my life. He is faithful and just. His promises renew my fainting spirit. He has overwhelmed me with His mercy. 
I'm learning a lot about relationships. About humility: it's necessity, beauty, and power. My eyes have been opened to the reality of my pride. The hold it has had over my relationships. Pride hardens my heart towards the ones I love the most. Pride only strengthens my sin of selfishness. 
God, break this heart of mine. Replace this heart of stone with a renewed heart of flesh. May my eyes ever be fixed on you. For "the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love." //psalm 33:18. Thank you for your faithfulness to me, even when I am faithless. You are wonderful. ABBA Father.
May you be present in this day.

Lord,
prepare me 
to be a sanctuary,
pure and holy,
tried and true.

a good friend reminded me today of something very important. something i needed. right at that time.
trust. 
i'm a worrier. i like to be in control. i'm always second guessing. getting my stomach tied up in knots about a possible outcome of a situation.
i'm scared. 
to let go. to give up that control that is held so near to me.


sara groves also reminded me of something today.
peace.


God, 
you give peace. a peace that passes understanding. that wipes away ever worry. every fear. a peace that calms every anxiety. 
put your hand over me, Lord. give me that peace. Your peace.
i love you, Father.

My son, do not forget my teaching,

but keep my commands in your heart,

for they will prolong your life many years

and bring you prosperity.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart.

Then you will win favor and a good name

in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear the LORD and shun evil.

This will bring health to your body

and nourishment to your bones.

Honor the LORD with your wealth,

with the firstfruits of all your crops;

then your barns will be filled to overflowing,

and your vats will brim over with new wine.

My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline

and do not resent his rebuke,

because the LORD disciplines those he loves,

as a father the son he delights in.

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,

the man who gains understanding,

for she is more profitable than silver

and yields better returns than gold.

She is more precious than rubies;

nothing you desire can compare with her.

Long life is in her right hand;

in her left hand are riches and honor.

Her ways are pleasant ways,

and all her paths are peace.

She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;

those who lay hold of her will be blessed.

By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations,

by understanding he set the heavens in place;

by his knowledge the deeps were divided,

and the clouds let drop the dew.

My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,

do not let them out of your sight;

they will be life for you,

an ornament to grace your neck.

Proverbs 3:1-22.

So Much To Be Thankful For.

- Journaling. Pen on paper. Smooth. Messy Penmanship. Pouring out heart and soul. Written prayers. Crying out to our Lord through ink.
- Encouraging notes. Care cards. Uplifting bible verses.
- Challenging conversations. Catching me off guard. Full of wisdom and understanding. Teaching and stretching me to be more.
- Trust within relationships. Secrets - but more than that, trusting one another with our emotions. Our hopes and dreams. Our struggles and growth.
- Health. Not ever thinking/questioning if I'm going to make it to the next day due to a health issue. I take this for granted SO often!
- Heart-to-heart talks. Hours long. Venting. Figuring thoughts out with each other. Taking another persons perspective.
- There's too much to say about my beloved family and friends.


Lord, you are good and your mercy endures forever!

My eyes are being opened to all of the wonderful souls around me.

So much to be thankful for.

You are so good, Jesus.

so many lists to be made.

anxious.

"Trust in the Lord; be strong and take heart."
[psalm 27:14]


God,
pound this into my head. bind it around my neck. place it forever on my heart.

Random Thoughts.

4th of July. Downtown. Thousands of people around. Noticed that we're all pretty much the same. We're all relational. We all need companionship. We all need LOVE.

I wish I drank coffee. I know it's true what those people say about it being the intelligence drink. It's such a great thing to do. Make a coffee date. It's where all the good conversations happen, I know it.

There's just no greater thing to talk about than the Word of God.

I'm anticipating the autumn season. Burnt colors. Warm clothes. Cross country racing. Football games. Leaves falling. My favorite.

My friends are a lot more unique than I thought.

I love photography. Everything about it. I could take pictures all day. I could look through a million books filled with pictures - all from different photographers points of view - how they view the world around them. It intrigues me.

College is over rated.

Looking forward to a breakfast date tomorrow with my pal, Emma.

Chattanooga, TN mission trip on Saturday: bring it.

There's just nothing better than a day filled with smoothies, bike rides, teeter totters, swimming, and kindred spirit bonding time.

Everyone has a kindred spirit.

Homemade gifts are the only way to go. 

As is letter writing. Do it.

Bedrooms are supposed to look like a tornado hit them.

Sometimes you just need a car ride with no conversation. Especially when you're listening to 91.3 WCSG and all you can do is listen to the words and worship Jesus. [Thanks Nathan]

Stay Hydrated. Both physically and spiritually. Quench the thirst after a night of swing dancing. Quench the thirst of a soul in need of some words of life. a.k.a. the promises of God.

Speak love.