Lead me.

I Will Go

(By: Starfield)

"Let me not be blind with privilege

Give me eyes to see the pain

Let the blessing you've poured out on me

Not be spent on me in vain

Let this life be used for change

I will go, Lord send me

To the world, to the lost, to the poor and hungry

Take everything I am

I'm clay within your hands

I want to live for you and go where you lead me

I want to follow you"

Weekend in Italy

Recap on the last week... (Thank you for caring so deeply and being excited to read about my life over here. Know that I'm sending love and can't wait to see ya'll again!)

Last weekend I got to visit Katie Woodruff, a sweet friend of mine from camp last summer. She graduated from LSU this spring and took a 10-day trip through Italy with her friend, Allison. They visited 5 places, spending two nights in each. When Katie heard that I would be in Spain, she invited me to join their adventure during any part. I was so lucky to get to see Florence and Cinque Terre with them and not miss too much work.

Florence was beautiful. I expected to stay in a hostel, but got there to find they had found a room in a former castle for the same price. Guess what, it even included breakfast! To say the least, I felt like a queen! It was rainy on our day in the city, but still so much fun. They have a market that seems 1/2 mile long. Florence is known for their leather. It was offered throughout the vendors' stands and we also got to see/tour a leather school. Thank goodness for the walking and Allison's genius tour-guide skills, because we ate like royalty too. For lunch we split pizza and a calazone, followed by a late dinner feast in a local ristorante. Mmm-hmm. I love me some Italian food in the States. Of course it was even better there. :)

The next day we rode a train to Cinque Terre. It is pronounced kind of like: Chink-way Ter-ray. I think I said it ten different ways. "Cinque" means five. The Cinque is made up of five cities along the northwest coast of Italy. It was beautiful! One of the prettiest places I've seen before. We stayed the night in Vernazza. The five cities are connected by train and by a seven-mile walking trail. I wasn't there long enough to get out and explore, but I think Katie and Allison got to the next day when I headed back to Spain. Vernazza is a one street town that reminded me of what I would picture Greece to look like. Except the stacked homes were splashed with vibrant colors. There was not much of a beach. People laid on the stacked stones of the breakwater, sprayed by mist from the sea. The water was crystal blue and glittering. Along the one street of cobblestones were vendors, restaurants, and gift shops. Many little stairways winded up in a maze of stairs and homes. The places stacked and twisted and turned. It was truly incredible!

I got home on Tuesday and worked through Friday. That night Javi and I went to the International Church Bible Study again, then to the Homeless Ministry in Sol. Around 10:45 when we needed to catch the train (to catch the midnight bus from Alcala to Los Hueros...It takes about an hour and a half to take public transportation into the city), we found out that the train was on strike. It was the start of an adventure and a late night. :)

We took the metro to catch a long bus ride. Long story short, our bus pulls into the station at 12:04, missing our ride up the hill by 4 minutes. The next bus didn't run until 1:30AM. With the help of a local waitress, we found a cafe that was open until 2:30. We caught the 1:30 bus and got home safely, but sleepy.

Earlier that Friday the IMM gang had talked about doing a brunch when everyone woke up on Saturday. It didn't happen until about 1:00... but I got to make biscuits and Kim made gravy. Mmmhmm! Good 'ole remembrance of the South. Then I went back to sleep. The weekend was restful and today has been another day at work. Life is good. I am blessed. I am so happy to be here. Please know all the time that I am missing you, sending my love, and wishing you amazing summer days wherever you are! Love, Haley

A Letter

I got the privilege to help write a letter today about what International Media Ministries is doing. It's a blessing to be a part. I heard the concept of "Awakening" for the first time at the Passion Conference back in January. I want to wake up. Passion is more than just a conference. Passion is a lifestyle. I want to passionately pursue the King and fearlessly tell others about His love.

A letter from International Media Ministries...

"Why are most movies produced in English? One word: Money. People will pay to experience a great story. Do you think mainstream media companies will choose to produce content in multiple languages in the near future? The chances that people will ever watch Lord of the Rings or Avatar in the Mohawk, Naskapi, or other tribal languages is slim to none. There is no monetary motivation for producers to take this step.

What about the millions of people that don’t speak English? Big time movie makers will not spend the time to translate the message into the many tongues. It isn’t necessary. The movie is only for entertainment anyways. It serves its purpose of bringing in money through only one language. At International Media Ministries, we are in a different league. We believe that there is one story that is necessary to be told to all and heard by all, despite the cost. It isn’t about profit. The purpose of the production is all in the story-telling.

We are in the business of taking the greatest story ever told and delivering it to as many people, in their own heart language. A pilot program here at IMM is in the process of translating selected clips from our Parables of Jesus series, to tell the story in the native tongue of many small nations. We are working with Mother Tongue Translators, VSM, and SIL, all of which are part of the Wycliffe Translators Group.

There are hundreds of micro-language groups around the world. Many follow oral-tradition and have little to no written language. Of course movie producers wouldn't take the time on these forgotten peoples. There is no money there. At IMM, we seek to keep the focus on Christ's call to go and tell. We are passionately pursuing this call. Casting Crowns hit the point in their song, "Until the Whole World Hears."

Revelation refers to the ones that will stand before the King on the final day. "There's a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb," Revelation 7:9. It is our responsibility to make it possible for these people to hear the story. There is not such a thing as "equally lost." There are millions that have never heard of a man named Jesus. It is a different league than the many around the world that see the corner church and choose a different way. May we rise up to tell the story that has changed our lives. It is not about money. It is about spreading the fame of Jesus."

Needing Defense

Sometimes we feel like we're losing the fight. Sometimes it feels like we're sinking, straining for words, trying to make sense of things, but getting nowhere. I can't figure out why my journey goes up and down so much. I long for steadfast trust; for the easy, the smooth, the comfortable. I invite you into the journey. Please know it isn't always easy. I am still following "Much Afraid," the character in the allegorical book, Hind's Feet On High Places. It is comforting to watch the Good Shepherd lead her, despite her fears, her questions, her insecurities, her doubts. Oh guys, that is me; I go up and down. You are so dear to me and I want you to know this. I want you to know the honest, real, and vulnerable sides of my journey.

I don't understand the roller coaster climbs and falls in my life. I am learning that the point doesn't mean knowing the answers. The point of life doesn't mean understanding God's plan and what He is doing. He alone is the answer. He alone is life. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I don't need the answers to all of life's questions. All I need is to remember He loves me, I am His Beloved, and His promise to never leave. He will never forsake us, deceive us, trick us. However, sometimes His plan calls for us to wait. The delays and times of confusion are not unto death, but for the sake of His glory. (John 11:4) He is the most unselfish being, who longs to bring glory to Himself because He knows that in doing so it will bring us joy, success, and life. 

In the story of Much Afraid's journey, the Shepherd assures her: "Do not doubt that the High Places are there, even when you can't see them. You have seen reality before. Hold on even when the mist and clouds block the view. Believe steadfastly in what you have seen. I will never forsake you. Be sure that whatever happens is a part of the plan/journey to bring you into all that I have promised." 

Another quote says: "Love is beautiful, but it is also terrible; terrible in its determination to allow nothing blemished or unworthy to remain in the Beloved. The Shepherd is determined to bring me to life, whatever it takes, for my sake and for His glory." 

God is growing me deeply. It doesn't look like I thought. I cannot try to understand what He is doing or figure out His ways. My perspective is like a tiny peephole. Yet, He can see above, below, behind, beside, and every way. How can I not trust that He knows best? My heart keeps clinging to the idea of truth vs. how things feel/seem to be. Oh how I need His wisdom and discernment in each moment to know the difference between the two. Following Christ isn't a one-time decision, or a prayer at the beginning of the day. It is the moment-by-moment choosing to walk in His truths. We are in a battle. We are fighters that are called to stand.

I pray for courage and His strength to face lurking lions, fears, insecurities, doubts. Living out of my feelings is not living, it is only trying to exist. It doesn't work. I swing back and forth between trusting what God says and what Haley feels every day. Only with God's help can I cling to truth, the only place of life. Death has no power over us any more, no matter how weighed down we feel. I love the truth that Jesus' yoke is easy and His burden is light. In Him, the burden is lifted, the chains are unlatched, the bondage is cut, and there is Freedom and Life. It is up to us to choose His perspective vs. the feelings of anything we are facing. God, please help us to trust you. Move our hearts to a place beyond the clouds, the mist, the things we see,  and this worldly realm. 

When I was in Italy last weekend, Katie, Allison, and I got to watch Italy play New Zealand in a World Cup game. We were in a gelato cafe, packed with many Italians eager for a victory. It has been on my mind how the game of soccer, or futbol, compares with these truths too. We can make anything relate to God if we look deep enough; For He is in all things.

In a soccer game, if the defenders don't do their job, a goal is scored. In war, if defense is weak, death happens. I keep writing about how Jesus is the only answer to life. If only Jesus = Life, then only Jesus = our Defense. Will we let Him defend us? No matter how hard we try, we will never be able to defend ourselves. The point of the Bible is to say it is impossible for us to succeed alone. That is the reason Jesus had to come. The Ten Commandments and every other rule are impossible for us to keep. That's the whole point. All of the laws/rules the Bible seems to be do not bind us to be good people. They point to Jesus. We can't do it, only He can, only He is the answer.

Therefore, in my many weaknesses, shortcomings, insecurities, and questioning times, He is the only answer. In the good times, when the sun is shining on my life and a smile is radiating, He is still my only defense. The only answer. I pray for Him to fight for me, for you, for us. Jesus, defend us and fight for us, even when we don't know we need it. May we claim our free victory in you. It is by your grace alone that we can be Alive. 

God, also strengthen us as fighters. When the tables turn and we're called to opposition, may we go into battle with you. We get to seek the world, love others, and spread the greatest story ever told. Bring us to life. Awaken us. Soften our hearts. Help us remember. Give us strength to cling to the reality of you through the many times when we don't feel it. God, I am desperate for you. Keep me desperately desiring you. Stir in me a passion and persistence to stand up for you. 

Thank you for going through this with me. These words are speaking to myself more than anything. It was strong on my heart to be transparent and vulnerable with you. It has been an incredible journey here in Spain, but please know that many times growing happens through times of adversity. David Crowder says, "You are not the only one who feels like the only one." Satan uses isolation as a weapon. When I feel alone, I turn inside myself and isolate. It is my prayer that we choose to dispel this lie and realize that there's a much bigger picture/reality going on, outside the way we feel. May we come Awake to it and join the ride of a lifetime! 

Seeing God in the Son... and the Sun.

My beautiful roommates, Kylie & Jessica, introduced me to this song. It's tune was on my heart this morning. How amazing it is that each day we are promised a fresh start. Many of us have heard the love verses about "Love is patient, Love is kind..." One of the shortest verses in the Bible says "God is love." Therefore, God is patient and kind... Through my life, He has helped me explore some of the other verses: "Love/God doesn't demand its own way. Love/God doesn't keep a record of wrongs." Each morning our slate is clean and the journey lies ahead for the taking. I pray that we'll come alive today, shedding the bondages of Self. I pray that He'll open our eyes to the beauty and life that He want's to give us. I pray we can let go, walk in His freedom, and overflow with love (through only His strength) to be His loving hands and feet to the world.

I'll write soon about the weekend in Italy. It was an amazing adventure with my friends, Katie and Allison. Until then, there are pictures posted on this address... http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31321255&l=9ba15e78b4&id=1511970319

Here are the lyrics to the beautiful song about being God's Beloved. There's also a video of it at this address... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2Qv2-Zgel4

Madly in Love with You

(By Sean McConnell)

I see you down there everyday

Trying to find a different way

To build some kind of ladder to the sky

Trying to find some way to see

The secrets of eternity, but they don't come all at once

And you don't know why

How do you think it feels to hear you screaming out my name,

While all the while I'm trying to open up your heart

I see you when you cry yourself to sleep

It's tearing me apart

I know you wish you could see me

That's the way it has to be

Someday you'll understand,

Don't you lose your faith in me

I know you wish you could hear me

Sometimes it's so hard to do

But every morning sunrise says

I'm madly in love with you

Yes, I'm madly in love with you

I know that you're waiting for

A chance to come in from the war

If only a moment, if only a day

A place where you feel safe and warm

A sanctuary from the storm

Until all of these questions fade away

But I cannot count all of the signs

You've passed away as mere coincidence

And I'm running out of ways to break through

Like a lonely lover, waiting by the ocean,

I'll never give up on you

I know you wish you could see me

That's the way it has to be

Someday you'll understand,

Don't you lose your faith in me

I know you wish you could hear me

Sometime's it's so hard to do

But every morning sunrise says

I'm madly in love with you

Yes, I'm madly in love with you

Oh Happiness...

(By: David Crowder)

"Oh Happiness, there's Grace.

Enough for us and the whole human race.

Friend or foe. Stranger or kin.

All who come, begin again.

Hard or frail. Rich or poor.

All in need, need fear no more.

Such a thing to give away!

All regrets, let go & forget.

There's something that mends all of it!

Oh Happiness, there's Grace.

Enough for us and the whole human race!"

Praise, praise. What a joy to hear. Happiness. Joy. Life. Freedom. Alive. Healing. Peace. It is all here for the taking. May God create in each of us a longing so deep. A longing for these things that He gives us, but even more than that, a longing for Him. May we be made deeply in love with Him. May we know Him more. To know Him is to love Him. Our King is far better than our minds can comprehend. He smashes the little boxes we try to build for Him: the ones of our expectations, understandings, efforts, and misinterpretations. May we know Him and fall into passionate, persistent, active love with Him. Oh happiness, there is grace. There is plenty. It is overflowing. Come to the never-ending well of life and drink. Come to the Father and thirst no more.

I have had an incredible journey the past couple of days. (I'll catch you up on work first and then write again about the trip to Italy I just returned from). It's so exciting for me to tell you about the joy it is to be here with International Media Ministries. The idea behind our work is to bring hope to the hopeless through media. "IMM is a creative media force putting the gospel within arms reach." Even in the most desolate parts of the world, people have the longing to be connected, to feel connected. They have cell phones, tv, and Internet access. We are jumping on those opportunities to touch their hearts through media.

I met a man on the plane (from Italy back to Madrid) last night that was from Pakistan. He was telling me about his view on the world's technology-dependence. He said that earlier this year, the Pakistani government shut down facebook throughout the country. He said the recorded 57 million facebook users in Pakistan went crazy. 57 million users; Insane. It made me the think of the addictive power facebook has had in my life. Cell phones, Internet, TVs, and facebook... it speaks out about our longing to be connected.

There are many projects going on here right now. One of them focuses on our apparent "need to be connected." It will be part of a series called Journey Answers. The short video production about "Significance" is in progress now. So many of us look to find our value in whether we get an email, a text, a facebook friend request, a call. What if our perspectives changed to see that significance can only come from Christ. No amount of popularity or connectedness will enhance our identity or make us more valuable. We are Beloved already.

Some of the things I have been working on here are a summer newsletter, a dvd label for an IMM program for college students called Go Borderless, and a 31-day prayer guide. I am still editing the newsletter, but it should be ready to mail soon. Same for the dvd cover. I am in the research process for the prayer journey. Each day for a month there will be an IMM person or project to pray for, as well as a nation of the world. It has blessed me to be able to research many countries and how we can pray for them. Just like the talk with the Pakistani on the plane, I realize how little I know about the world. I am realizing daily how many people there are out there who have never heard of a Bible or a man named Jesus. Millions have never had a chance to hear the greatest story ever told.

This is IMM's aim. We seek to reach the people that may never hear. It is the best news. When it hits your heart, it is so exciting to tell other people about it. Last week we had two Croatian guys here, going through media training to be able to impact their country through media. Another thing is that the production team just finished an "Open the Bible" series in French to reach the millions of French-speaking tribes of Africa (next to come will be a Mandarin, then an Arabic series). Javi is currently designing a new website, and Crystal is starting on a film series about human trafficking. There are so many projects rolling and much excitement. :)

Below are a couple of pictures of the projects I have gotten to do. For the Go Borderless project, I got to do a photo shoot in the hills to get the photographs. It was incredible. Below, there is also a project I did two weeks ago for a gentleman in the States. He heard about me through a design competition I entered and hired me to do a dvd case design. It was a blessing and alot of fun. Hard to believe you can do business across the sea. As of now, that's all. I will write later about my most recent adventure into the Italian country and the blessings I experienced there. Thanks so much for reading! Sending love and prayers for freedom & joy!

Looking Up

"I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future that God has promised for those who follow Him."

-Ephesians 1:18 

True life comes from God alone. He is awakening me and taking me deeper into this truth here in Spain. It is a blessing and I can't help but tell you and be so excited! You're invited into the amazing love, the adventurous journey, and the greatest story ever told. He wants to give you true life. May we really believe that we are His Beloved. There is true life there. 

Spanish Skies

The skies here are magnificent. I've never seen the brilliant blue and puffy clouds like they have in Spain. They are truly beautiful! The night is falling here and I'm sleepy from a great day at work. It's exciting to see projects starting to be completed. Hopefully I can post some of the designs soon and explain some things the ministry is doing. It's amazing, ya'll! 

I had a song on my heart all weekend. It's still in my head and I want to share it with you. It's about being on a journey. I'm on a journey. For me, the path has detoured into Spain for a few months. Before long it will twist back through Tennessee, up the mountain to home and family, down a highway into Oxford, and into more unknown. We are all travelers. Life isn't about a destination or an end. It's about the living. Ya'll, I am fired up about the livin' we get to do! 

Maybe it took me being in IMM, all the way in Los Hueros, in Alcala, in Madrid, in Spain... for that truth to sink deeper. Maybe it'll just take reading this for it to click in you. "Live A'little" is one of my favorite things to say with Kylie and Jess. Yes! That's it. May we all wake up and really LIVE today.

This song talks about the paths that we'll go through in the living process. There will be mountains, there will be slippery places, there will be beautiful skies and meadows to run through. A great book full of word pictures of the journey is called, "Hind's Feet on High Places." It has spoken much truth into my life.

 I want to smile and joyfully dance because of the truth that God is there in each part of the journey. He gives each part meaning. He is here with me and He is there with you. The answer to life is Him. Life is here right now.  

Desert Song by Hillsong

This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer when there's hunger in me
My God is a God who provides

And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

And this is my prayer in the battle
when triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be empited again
The seed I've recieved I will sow...

IC Journey

Last night Javi, Kim, and I got to go into Madrid for a Bible Study with the International Church young adults group (Journey). They meet each Friday at a Starbucks. Then they pack meals to take to the homeless around the city. I can't explain what an amazing experience it was. I was touched deeply as we walked through the underground corridors of the metro and the dark streets. I can't communicate well; a simple touch and smile was all I could give. It makes me wish I knew Spanish well enough to talk with the people. There just aren't words to explain the night.

The sky is unbelievable here. All of it was like a dream. Beautiful. The city is incredible. Today is Saturday and we're resting. Because of a 90% rain forecast in Segovia, we opted to stay home. It's a blessing after a long work week and late night.

More pictures...

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31294478&l=bed2944e02&id=1511970319

A mall and a sleep over...

This is my friend, Crystal. She's a Missionary Associate who has almost been here at IMM for 2 years. Her parents are here from Minnesota. They're hilarious, ya'll! They have been keeping the upstairs apartment alive. The next two weeks, I'm getting to sleep over in Crystal's room... partaayy!

It's great having more people here. I want to soak up their influence. I've grown already listening to their stories and words. Also, Crystal has put on her tour guide hat and is showing her parents the city. She has invited me along for the adventure.

Last night we went to the mall in Alcala. The weather has been colder and her mom needed a few warmer things. Tomorrow Crystal is taking us to Segovia, a city 2 hours south of Madrid that has a castle and ancient aqueduct. I'm so excited.

 I hope that wherever you are today, there will be something that makes you smile. Sending love and hugs :)

Chasin' The Lions

I got to play dominoes on Wednesday night with Ron and Mary (a married couple who is here for two weeks. They both used to be missionaries with IMM in Brussels, Belgium). They told me their story about following the Lord’s calling into the mission field and the way He put a shield over their hearts.

I brought up the idea about softening (last blog) and Mary said... Yes, we should all pray for God to soften us and fill us up. Then we can pray for Him to put a shield our hearts as He guides us in this great journey.

Ron said... It’s the shield of faith. Isn’t it interesting that when the Bible talks about the armor of God, we get two pieces of defense to cover our front; the shield of faith and the breastplate of righteousness? I guess that’s God’s way of showing us that with His strength/protection we can bravely face our troubles and fears head-on.

Whoa! There’s a book for that! One of the best books I’ve ever read is called, “In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day” by Mark Batterson. It talks about our greatest opportunities lying within our greatest fear/challenge. There are thousands of phobias and fears. We are only born with two of them: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. Everything else we have learned. That means they can unlearned. We can unlearn the fears and insecurities that hold us back. Batterson talks about facing our lions headfirst and living with a “lion-chaser” mentality. No more conformity, backing down, or fear. Whew, it got me pumped up. Great summer read if ya need one!

These ideas point me back to one of the songs I got to tell you the other day…

“If you take that first step into the unknown, He won’t let you go. What are you waiting for? What do you have to lose? Your insecurities try to alter you. You know you were made for more. Don’t be afraid to lose. Faith is all it takes and you can walk on the water too.” –Britt Nicole

 

Soften Me.

Beautiful. Joy. Captivating. There aren’t words grand enough to explain it. The things that are beautiful here… the fields of grass, the dancing wildflowers, the bright blue sky, the fresh air for morning exercise, the best tasting fruits and vegetables I’ve ever had, the fellowship and stories of the missionary couples, my health that I so often take for granted, country songs on head phones through 8-hour work days, getting called the “southern girl from Tenn-a-ssee” or by my middle name (Brooke), having sleepovers in Crystal’s (one of the girls here for two years) room while her parents are here, LAUGHING, walking in the rain with Kim, playing dominoes/spades/nertz/Rummy with the “family” at night to take a break from the technology, bumping into everyone as we all cook together in the kitchen, special times each morning to be still and talk with Jesus, time to journal, days full of living out my passion for design and creating, visiting new places (Toledo), riding bicycles through the country, talking on Skype for the first time, getting to see the people I love right through the computer, the sweetest emails from friends as love pours long/wide/far-even over the sea, godly friendships and accountability, my sweet family and the things the Lord has brought us through to strengthen us and equip us for more of the journey, forgiveness, the softening of my heart…

I could continue a list for hours about the beauty the Lord has brought into my life. I so often get caught up in insignificant feelings or worries about things I don’t have. But, gosh, I have so so much to be grateful for. I told you the other day about the moment by moment choice to live out of how we feel/the way things seem to be vs. living out of the truth. God is bringing me back into that remembrance here.

Life if beautiful. God is in all things. When He opens my eyes to see Him in something, I get so excited and start trying to find Him in everything. He is there. He holds all things together. He gives all things purpose. I pray, Father, thank you so much for the beauty of life. May I embrace it and come alive in you. The world doesn’t need me to try to be a good Haley, but it needs me to come alive. When I awaken and let you meet my every need, I become needless, content, satisfied, significant, and full of you. Pour into me, clean me, fill me, overflow, spill over, shine and slosh your love through me into the world.

You guys, something so special to me is the idea of “softening.” I read a verse once about sin cutting scratches on our hearts with a diamond-tipped blade. When we get cuts, scar tissue builds up. This analogy is true in my heart. The more independent I become from God, those layers build up. It becomes a barrier, a wall. It prevents my heart from being moved by God. It isolates me. I turn inward, afraid, insecure, trying to do it on my own, feeling like the only one. Hardened. Our beautiful God is softening me again this summer. It is so beautiful I can’t even explain. I pray that he will tear back, cut away any scar tissue on my heart, on your heart, on the hearts in our world, so that we can be touched by his beauty, see Him in all things, be moved by Him, feel His love, and hear Him telling us our valuable/BELOVED identity.

It is good! This link will take you to pictures of the beauty God is walking me through physically and spiritually over here. He’s an artist, that’s for sure. Sending my love, hugs, and prayers for awakening and softening. :) 

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31290981&l=7cae29ebbd&id=1511970319

Visiting Toledo & Night Bike Rides

You can see the latest pictures of our trip to Toledo (on 6/4/10) and the fields I have gotten to bike through. This link will take you to an album :)

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31262452&l=412dded575&id=1511970319

Freedom

I’ve been listening to music on the job. Some of my favorite music is by Britt Nicole. She’s a singer-song writer, probably not too much older than me. I’ve been touched by the powerful messages in her songs. Earlier this week, Gwen (the director’s wife) came to my office and I was singing out loud to Britt’s music on my headphones. Embarrassing to say the least. Gwen told me to keep on singing, that it was a good thing! 

That funny story to say… I’d love to share a few of her lyrics with you. They are about freedom and life. In my relationship with Jesus, these two themes are so important. In 2^nd Peter 2:19, the Bible says, “we are a slave to whatever controls us.” I know that so often my heart and life gets tangled up and controlled by fears, worries, insecurities, pride, and feeling insignificant. In each moment, we all have a choice to make. We can live by the way things seem to be and how we feel, or we can choose truth.

God says we are pure, righteous, and holy. We are His sons and daughters. We are crafted masterpieces made by Him. He delights in us, wants us to come to know Him, wants us to give up our fears and run with Him. He UNCONDITIONALLY loves us. We are more than enough for Him. He sent His Son to die because He never ever wants to be separated from us. He has a plan for you and for me, and can’t wait to take us through each part of the journey. We are His BELOVED. It’s my prayer for you, for me, for our generation to come alive/awake/aware to these truths. May we stand up against our fears, “live a little,” and shine with joy! It’s all about Him, and because of that, WE ARE FREE! Sending my love and hugs to you! Hope you have an amazing day!

The Lost Get Found

Love is calling you.

Don’t let your lights go down.

Don’t let your fire burn out.

‘Cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe. Stand out.

Why don’t you rise up now?

Don’t be afraid to stand out. That’s how the lost get found.

Why do we go with the flow or take the easier road?

Why are we playin’ it safe?

Love came to show us the way.

Love is a chance we should take. 

Love is calling…

Walk on the Water

So what are you waiting for?

What do you have to lose?

Your insecurities try to alter you.

You know you’re made for more. So don’t be afraid to move.

Faith is all it takes and you can walk on the water too.

So get out and let your fear fall to the ground.

No time to waste, don’t wait.

Don’t turn around and miss out on everything you were made for...