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.