the story

I just heard one of the most inspiring stories ever. It was the wonderful story of how a friend came to Christ. I think it just so crazy to think about how the littlest things can be God speaking... From sitting in the colonnades on a beautiful day - to driving down an old familiar road. HE speaks. The most amazing thing is that my friend has a story that if many would have known him a few years ago - they would have given up and said it was useless. But there were a few people in his life who didn't give up. They didn't count God out. They were strong for him.

He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end.

It is awesome to think how big God is and how small we are. But yet, he still develops our stories, He uses us, and he loves us. It never ceases to amaze me when thinking about everyone's story. How people were brought together to develop a relationship that brings glory to God. Or how just being through a certain situation would encourage another person who is going through the same thing.

It is a scary thought, but also comforting - to know that we are not in control. That God - whose word we praise, the LORD, whose word we praise. In God I TRUST. TRUST that He is in control, TRUST that He has a plan and TRUST that He will fulfill it in our life.

So, if you don't know your story - or you haven't thought about it in a while - be reminded what God has done for you and chosen to do through you. I am sure it will remind you of grace, faith, love and leave you with an overwhelming feeling of joy and satisfaction in God -whose unfailing love is better than life (did you take that in fully... God's love NEVER fails)...

It's past time...

Last night I had a conversation with a guy who is such a huge encouragement and example to me. He has given me great advice when it comes to missions and sharing my heart and faith with others. I think I am coming to a point where I am going to have to make a huge step. And it will be a step of faith. There have been baby steps so far - but it's time. Time to be brave - not because I am on my own - but because my Lord is my strength

It is time for me to get outside this little comfort box that has 'frightened' written all over it. I have a story that is so beautiful to share and yet - I get scared - I shy away.

"So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. For in just a little while the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away." - Hebrews 10:35-38

This is such an important point made in Hebrews. It has been the call of my heart.. to not lose confidence. There are so many times that I get nervous. But I have to remember that God is the strength of my heart and I have victory through Him & this is a victory that I need to share with others - it is so beautiful!

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. SO never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord..." - 2 Timothy 1:7-8

It's time to be real, time to love and time to live by faith. It's time to rejoice and live in true worship.

Strength of My Heart

Whom do I have in heaven but You?
And I desire nothing on earth but You.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:25-26

These two verses were read last night during 180. Miles picked them out before the service and we used them as a transition. It was a simple choice. But it was apparent that God was in control. It is such a huge blessing whenever He puts things together and shows me that it is all about Him.

We sang a song - Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone). Here are the lyrics that brought humbling tears to my eyes - "The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures."

Thank you, Jesus for showing me once again it's all about You.

Today is just one of those days where I am extremely thankful for everything and everyone around me. I am not sure if anyone else has these days.. but I'm just aware that everything I have gone through has brought me to the place where I am now. And that isn't the greatest part.. but instead... that I am still on this Journey and have so much further to go! I am so thankful for God's promises. His promise that He is my Father, that I am His daughter and that he is not ashamed to be called my God. What a precious picture!

I can not express in words how excited I am about the next few weeks. This weekend is LTC at Cedarmore - one of the most beautiful places ever! Last year I went and got to wake up early to spend some precious time with the Lord - It was still dark and so beautiful. I can still remember the scene like it was this morning. The sky was a wonderful dark blue and the trees seemed to be painted against the dark blue sky. I got so close to people that weekend - it is just so wonderful to spend time with people who are passionate and eager to be in a position to serve. It motivates you to share in the joy of Christ together and take it back to campus.

This weekend I will also get to see everyone doing 1:8 this summer! I can't sit and think about it for too long - because then I will just want it to be May, so I can head to Louisville and spend the summer with some fabulous people!

I will be following in Josh & Hannah's footsteps as I sign the paper to accept worship exec for BCM Council. I am so excited about next year and how this summer is going to prepare me :)

These past few weeks has been full of these wonderful little things called "epic moments" that make me smile & I can't wait to have more of these wonderful times.