Posts filed under 'blogging'
Pocket Full of Thoughts
- Ha, I so need one of these….
- So excited about this new start because I am totally living out a “second chance” myself: a movement of people that would let radical integrity and radical grace consume them in their life and leadership.
- Took a nap on the couch tonight…so comfy and safe
- No cocoa for brownies….but popcorn when I woke up hit the spot
- New to me, free clothes make my heart so happy. seriously. 2 pairs of running tights and 2 under armor long sleeve shirts (plus, one with the thumb hole things!!! I am so set for running in the minnesota cold….) not to mention a cute tank top, other clothes and a fun bag.
- This looks totally awesome. I miss my bike and I heart Africa.
- Feeling the days slipping by so fast…
- We leave for debriefing and Cape Town on Saturday–what!?
- Why am I still up? Oh right, I took a forever long nap tonight.
- What are you up to?
Add comment November 25, 2009
Monday Musings
- excited to listen to this podcast when it comes out and love some of the thoughts Perry posted already:
- Love for her intimacy with God…and not just the information she knows about Him!
- When you focus on what you do not have (a relationship) more than you focus on Jesus and His Word…the result is usually compromise.
- AND…YOU DO NOT HAVE TO COMPROMISE…EVER!!! If I could sit down face to face with every single girl I would say the same thing…WAIT for God’s best…it’s worth it.
- had my first “see you in His timing”
- my heart is already aching at the thought of saying more of those soon…
- hung out with Lindo today….man, that kid is too much fun and I love his family
- definitely made me smile today
- working on making a video of the tons of pictures I have of him
- can’t wait for next week so i can give him a soccer ball and whatever else random I find in town for him…so what does a 5 year old like?
- “no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.” ht: note
- The weapon of jealousy will NOT prosper against you because we will CELEBRATE what God is doing
- The weapon of feeling insignificant will NOT prosper against you because HE MADE YOU SIGNIFICANT when He saved you and called you…your significance comes from your salvation…not from “success” in ministry.
- can’t wait to see this girl.
- asking God to hold me tight tonight and help me fight
- feeling a bit broken tonight.
- getting away with Him.
- listening to this guy thanks to his free music.
- speaking of music. integrity music and their free song on friday makes me happy
4 comments November 16, 2009
My 100 Things
In honor of my 500th post, I present to you “My 100 Things.”
1. I had my plans of “success,” money and a high-powered job. So I definitely would have thought you were joking if you told me I would be a Christian.
2. Let alone a Christian who loves missions
3. And left everything to come to Africa
4. Where I found my heart and my Jesus for real
5. Where I would be baptized (check out the new picture I updated on this post!)
6. To celebrate being a new creation and fully surrendering and trusting my everything to Jesus
7. After living in Africa for a year, I can “kind of” tolerate certain bugs
8. But not snakes or big spiders. I am not a fan.
9. Who knew I would love getting up early to watch the African sunrise from my window
10. Or that running in circles in fields to make extra distance would make my heart extra happy
11. Nature captures my heart
12. Everything from meteor showers to shooting stars to sunsets and sunrises to the moon to stars to waterfalls to snowflakes to rainy days to green grass to mountains connects to my heart and fills me up while reminding me of God
13. Flowers (though, NOT roses…I do not like getting roses) and gifts make my heart soar
14. As does picking people up from the airport and getting picked up
15. I love finding secret places outside and exploring
16. Sitting on a rock or on top of a mountain fills me up with awe
17. I loathe fake Christmas trees and love to cut down the real ones
18. And I love Christmas lights
19. Mittens not gloves—they’re useful for carrying things like keys
20. Barefoot not shoes
21. No socks. Ew…..I hardly ever wear socks, they’re so constraining and not happy
22. I used to always have short hair because I didn’t like it touching my neck when it was up in a pony tail while playing tennis
23. I love that my hair is extra long now.
24. I go in streaks of hairstyles…my current one is braids
25. My room is covered in quotes, bible verses, pictures, and happy things
26. I am a pack rat to the t. Give me anything and I will keep it.
27. I also have a tendency to wear things out until I find that most of my shirts have holes…but I’m still wearing them…I have a hard time throwing things away, did I say that already?
28. Oddly, I hate wearing jeans. They’re not comfortable. Give me dress pants, sweat pants, gauchos or anything else.
29. Skirts and dresses are especially nice
30. For clothes and life bright, happy colors and pastels are my favorites
31. I recently bought paints in “happy” pastel colors because I recently found out I love painting
32. I wish I was more crafty, but I try
33. Ceramics makes a nice balance. I could make bowls all day long
34. Happy. Is not just a feeling, but also a way to describe clothing, music, food and flip-flops among other things.
35. Things must be “happy” in order for me to justify spending money
36. I don’t spend money easily
37. But that comes back to being indecisive
38. I weigh out all the options and play it back and forth in my head. I see so many potentials.
39. But some decisions are easy….like how I would take all the kids from Hope House home with me if I could and how I would stay here in a second
40. Another thing I am not indecisive about is my preference for vanilla/white over chocolate. Vanilla milkshakes, white chocolate, white cake. Yum.
41. Except I do love better than sex cake and I have a new found appreciation for brownies, but I still prefer vanilla.
42. I pretty much always carry the book I’m reading and my bible in my purse
43. I have 4 bookshelves in my room at my parents house and I still have more books than that
44. I dislike not having all my books in one spot
45. I so want a huge library in my house someday
46. Also, I so want a huge, white fluffy dog someday
47. And a godly husband who pursues God first, avidly protects purity and holiness, and really lives out 1 Corinthians 13
48. 1 Corinthians 13 in the amplified version gets my heart both giddy and weighted with how amazing love really is and that God truly loves us like that
49. I used to think that knowledge meant gathering all the information and being able to get that “A” on the test
50. I was a bit of a perfectionist when it came to school….
51. Nothing less than an “A” was acceptable
52. I realize now that for me I NEED to put things into action and practice to actually “know.” I need the application step.
53. Which is hard for me since I love to gather information and often don’t take the next step.
54. I knew about Jesus and the list of things Christians do, but I didn’t “know” Him or recognize the connection between loving Him and obeying Him
55. When you trust Him, He brings such sweet freedom into your life
56. And He helps me stand on those promises that I am beloved, the Lord’s, complete, that there is no condemnation, that I am a new creation, that He delights in me, that I am born of God, I am God’s child, and that He fulfills ALL my needs, He is my all in all
57. I write all over my bible
58. I used to hate writing in books because it makes them look messy.
59. Now, I love adding that personal touch in certain books, not all.
60. I am a huge fan of words and the meanings of words and the root words connected to the word
61. Yet I don’t really like playing scrabble…maybe I’ll keep giving it a try
62. And you’ll find all sorts of references in my bible to Hebrew and Greek words and meanings
63. Even my blog is titled after a Hebrew word
64. B’ahava means “with love”
65. I want to do everything “with love”
66. And to show others that I believe in them and that I see their potential
67. Because Jesus loves and sees us that way
68. I don’t know if I’ll ever get a tattoo
69. But if I do and I might then I want a Hebrew word
70. Maybe even the word “Hephzibah”
71. Because then every time I looked at it, I would be reminded that I am enough in Him because He delights in me.
72. Writing makes my heart happy
73. Editing too.
74. Though, I am not a fan of the serial comma and I firmly think that commas are overused. They make things look messy and cluttered.
75. I am a vegetarian. Sounds funny, but I’ve been one since February.
76. I don’t miss meat. I have never craved it either.
77. Baking fills my heart up and I love trying new recipes
78. But banana bread holds a special place in my heart
79. Whenever I go to the grocery store, I totally fall for the “new” or random things
80. My iTunes has 48.6 days of songs and I am SO that person that listens to a song on repeat for like 30 plays and yes, I keep track of my plays.
81. Except I’m in a process of eliminating songs that are not uplifting
82. I strive to make all of my words those that build up and speak life
83. I often fail
84. But Jesus is refining me
85. I used to not sing out loud because someone told me once I didn’t sing well
86. But I don’t really care anymore because I love singing to God
87. And I love singing Hakuna Matata with Lindo and giving him big hugs
88. And music moves me
89. Touches my heart and can instantly bring me into the presence of God
90. Which is why I need to get rid of the music that doesn’t do that
91. Along with that, I absolutely LOVE playing music loud with the windows down in the car
92. And dancing in my room or the bathroom or the shower or anywhere really
93. I confess I bring my computer into the bathroom to play music while I take a shower–I’m sure that’s not good for my computer, but that’s okay
94. In the end, I want my life to be about letting everyone know about God
95. And the abundant life that is found in Him
96. By living to glorify Him
97. Through following Him
98. Speaking words of life and
99. Coming alive
100. To do everything with love that overwhelms, empowers and transforms
2 comments November 7, 2009
Threads
I’m all over the board and feel like I have so many threads of a blog post coming together, yet not quite being enough to fully develop. So, here are are some threads to follow:
- I read Acts 1 this morning and wondered about Joseph only to find that this post also touched on the subject. I love and am standing on this:
I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” (Jeremiah 29:11, MSG)
So I take a deep breath. Calm down. Say a prayer of surrender…again. And remember that I don’t want to be on someone else’s path regardless of how alluring or attractive it may appear.
Because y’all? The Creator of the universe, He has plans for me.
And I don’t want to miss it.
- Nanowrimo reminds me why I love writing and why I love writing about things I’m passionate about…aka South Africa and the stories from here. I’m pumped about this crazy story.
- When you find yourself in a hole, you usually either don’t know how to get out, don’t know you’re in the hole, don’t know how to keep yourself out of the hole….walking with people and helping them see how to stay out of those holes means being intentional, knowing them, spending time, asking tough questions, not letting “busyness” get in the way, and being passionate about walking in freedom.
- Hinds Feet on High Places is still rocking my world. More quotes and thoughts to come.
- God is HUGE. I don’t want to put Him in any box. I don’t want to put any of my time lines or worldly logic or anything else on Him. He can do so much more than I can even imagine so why wouldn’t I pray BIG, why wouldn’t I expect BIG?
- Proverbs 4:25 “Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path (track, entrenchment=so firm that change is difficult or unlikely) of your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left. Turn your foot from evil.” Fixing my eyes on Him and Him alone because He keeps reminding me that I can’t let others tell me who I am or define me or label me or let the plank in my eye take away from the promises I have in Christ. I am complete in Christ. I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. Yes, beloved, dig deep, but hold fast to this and who I am first and foremost.
- Good-bye’s are already hard…my heart is here and I love these people.
- I’m overwhelmed by this. Yet, God is BIG.
- Tomorrow’s a BIG day.
- Bedtime. Hope you enjoyed some random threads of my life.
Add comment November 4, 2009
Endings Mean Beginnings
Check it out–my newsletter for the month! I pray this newsletter will open your eyes to see what I see and to see how God is at work in South Africa thanks to your support and prayers.
b’ahava (with love): הבהאב
To let everyone know of the abundant life in Christ by living to glorify God through
following Him, speaking words of life, and coming alive in order to do everything
with love that overwhelms, empowers, and transforms.
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.-John 10:10
Behold, I make all things new. -Revelation 21:5
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
1 comment October 29, 2009
Something More.
“Dreams are fuel.
They fuel us to victory.
But most of the time they stay just that.
Dreams.
I lived most of my life “about” to do something.”
“But we also realized that the American dream of white picket fences and a 9-5 isn’t our shtick.
And here is the harder truth.
It isn’t a lot of yours either.”
I love these quotes from this post mostly because I’m right there. Right there knowing I could play it safe. I could get that 9-5 and the steady paycheck. But I’m not. I know that I only go to the 9-5, white picket fence, happily ever after because it appears safe, comfortable and a great decision. Except it’s not what I’m supposed to do right now. God calls me to jump into the water and get completely wet while not holding back anything. Complete surrender of my heart, desires, hopes, dreams, and life. Except the amazing thing is that He’s right there beside me ready to bless me and show me what an abundant life looks like when I’m walking with Him.
Add comment September 27, 2009
The Year Through Pictures
So…I’m a copy cat. Annie had this awesome post and so I wanted to do the same:
January: Ringing in the New Year–ready for a fresh start
February: A little salsa dancing fun before “real life” aka full-time job-ness sets in.
March: No homework means time to make fun recipes like Cheesecake pops, read lots of books, take a ceramics course, and work out
April: “ 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
May: I said hello to love at first sight
June: Summer nights with friends and enjoying our sweet deck
July: There were a few crashes along the way this year. A few rough spots, but in the end the plastic pops right out and the head lights are millimeters away from being smashed.
August: Spent some time with family. Said “Look at the bull ship,” which was interpreted as “Look at all this bull shi*” (say that 3 times fast and your family will think you are NOT having fun when really you are)
September: Life may be a little messy, but at the end of the day I can always turn to my “church family” for anything I need. I’m going to miss them…
October: “Ransomed” God, theology, podcasts, blogging, life, and everything in between could always be found in our conversations. I miss her already!
November: “But if the bright lights don’t receive you, you should turn yourself around and come on home.”
December: Stay warm with a puppy, lots of blankets and hot chocolate while looking forward to a New Year.
Good-bye 2008. Hello 2009.
1 comment January 6, 2009
1 Year Ago
- I started blogging.
- I graduated.
- I did not have a job yet.
- I was living with Carrie and Keely (and Abby the dog)
- Liz and I took pictures after graduation
A few things from this past year:
- I kept blogging.
- I got a job.
- I started Seminary.
- I learned about friendships, relationships, heartache, community, church, God, hope, myself, faith and so much more.
- I moved into a different house with Amy and Mandy.
- I got a Mac.
- I helped start a church.
- I bought a bike.
- I accepted an internship.
I could go on, but you get the idea. What a year! I definitely cannot say that I would have ever guessed that I would be where I am today a year ago!
1 comment December 19, 2008
Laying on the floor…
Love this! Here are some of my favorites with my comments in italics:
I’m a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.
Lord, here I am, send me. Keep breaking my heart for what breaks yours. Let Your love overflow.
No moment from my God is a rock of burden…it’s just a rock waiting to be broken apart into stepping stones.
Even this moment…this moment when I’m laying on the floor crying. You are using it to make a stepping stone toward something beautiful. You are the potter. I am the clay.
choose joy
here am I. I choose You tonight and Your joy.
if what you do does not resonate with you… it is not really going to matter to anyone else.
talking about passion gets me energized and makes me come alive. talking about kids and life changes and God completely invading your heart…yeah, that’s the good stuff.
some pursue happiness..others create it
I may not control the circumstances, but I choose joy and I choose to let God give abundant life in Him.
fashion your life as a garland of beautiful deeds.
let everything I say and do be a reflection of You.
Add comment November 25, 2009