Here's To Another Semester

Well, tomrrow another semester will begin at ACU. My prayer is that God will show Himself to me in new and exciting ways and that he will grow and bless friendships. Thank you Father for going before and behind me and preparing my way. May this semester bring honor and glory to you as I try to be your hands and your heart to the people around me.

Easter

I am so thankful for this time of year. God is doing some incredible things in my journey, showing me his character and just how much he loves me each and every day. Last night I was blessed to be a part of a Passover meal. I have had the experience before but it had been many years ago. I felt as though I had been transported directly into the presence of Jesus as he sat in the Upper Room. In my 2nd grade shepherding group last night, we talked about what it means to be a servant and I was reminded through the eyes and experiences of children, the beauty of this call of the disciples of Jesus. Before we split up into our groups, Katie had the shepherds read a different story in which Jesus served. I had the blessing of reading my favorite servant story, Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. God refreshed the message in this story for me, he showed me that every part of me constantly needs to be surrendered and washed by his tender and gentle hand, so that he may do his will in my life. I have had so many servants who have shown me the call of Christ. One group that has tremendously shown me how to serve and to love has been the group of friends the Lord has placed on my journey, to further mold and shape my heart's soil.

Thank you Father for sending Jesus to bleed for me! Thank you for allowing him to be clothed with every sin I have ever committed so that I can be free! Most of all thank you that on the third day, the grave was empty. I love you sweet Jesus. Thank you for being my Lamb and my constant intercessor seated on the mercy seat in Heaven. To you and you alone be all praise, glory, honor, and eternal blessing.

Quotes

I don't know if any of you are quote lovers like me, but as I have thought about prayer this week, I have been blessed and encouraged to find a few other quotes that have ministered to my spirit. I hope you are encouraged too:)

"In God's name, I beseech you, let prayer nourish your soul as your meals nourish your body. Let your fixed seasons of prayer keep you in God's presence through the day, and His presence frequently remembered through it, be an ever-fresh spring of prayer." - E.M. Bounds

I loved this one! This truly is what I'm striving for, and hopefully I am making God smile. Here it is: "If I am a Christian, I am not set on saving my own skin, but in seeing that the salvation of God comes through me to others, and the great way is through intercession."
- Oswald Chambers

Thank you for pursuing us through seasons of prayer God. May we never grow cold in our need to embrace the gift prayer is and the fact that we never outgrow the need for it.

Prayer

I believe prayer is the most sacred, and most essential ingredient to a soul-satisfying relationship with the Lord. It is through prayer that one is able to unreservedly pour out his heart, whether in praise, supplication, confession, or silence. Being able to freely pray allows for me as a Christian on a journey of discipleship, to cry out to my Creator, Sustainer, and Faithful Friend. Prayer affords me the honor of being ushered into the throneroom and to enter the sanctifying river of the blood that purchased my soul. I am able to calculate my beauty and worth through the eyes of eternity, where it will never be swayed and dimenished by the winds and voices of the world. Prayer is the most powerful tool and weapon, I believe, we have as Christ-followers. It has the power and authority to change lives, to move mountains, and to pave a way for God to be glorified and exalted in all things.

I am a quote lover. I found this on the blog of a friend.

"If you want a life of prayer, the way to get it is by praying... You start where you are and you deepen what you already have" - Thomas Merton

Father, I ask you to cultivate this sacred practice in me so that, in all circumstances, I may become captive to its power and its grace. Thank you for this most intimate and incredibly beautiful gift.

Things I am thankful for today

the fact that I serve a living and present God
the gift of true and incredibly authentic friends
the fact that new adventures may be around the next corner
the gift of spending a week serving with my best and closest friends
being surrounded by cherished reminders of family
sunsets
music
the promise of a season that brings new life

You and you alone are worthy of all my praise Lord and Father:) It is an honor to serve you and to be continually formed into someone you would be proud of.

A Sweet Fragrance: Kerri Lane

The last few days have been hard. I am mouning the loss of an incredible friend, servant, sister, and mentor. Kerri probably didn't realize she was a mentor to me but she certainly was! I cannot express what she meant to me in mere words. Kerri was a single mother raising two precious, Christ-honoring little girls, ages 6 and 9. Less than a year ago, she noticed a growth on her abdomen, but thought nothing of it. This growth turned out to be malignant melanoma. The roots of her soul were so deep before her diagnosis but they grew even more rich and beautiful as she made the journey through cancer. Kerri Lane was a woman totally anointed in the oil of joy and fully devoted to the call of Christ Jesus. There were only two places she longed to abide with all of her being, either at home with Carlee and Jolee or in the throneroom of Heaven worshipping her God and King. Everything she did and said was bathed in the fragrance of the Most High. In my life, Kerri embodied Jesus in a way that permanantly marked my own journey of faith. As I remember her at this moment, I am reminded of a powerful phrase from a Christian song. " We live and we love." That is the sum of Kerri's life. She fulfilled the two greatest commands that the Father has called each of his beloved children to be defined by. This precious woman was so very intentional in her love and in her relationship with her God. She understood what it truly meant to know and experience the love of Christ as her Bridegroom and the Lover of her Soul. I want to live with that devotion and that insaitable hunger and thirst that only He can quench and bring forth. She has left quite a legacy in my life and in the life and body of Highland Church of Christ. She will be an everlasting example of a living, vital, humble, and most beautiful faith and trust in the way of Christ. Now, Kerri joins the multitudes of angels as she is inducted into Heaven's Faithful Servants Hall of Fame. I love you so much, Kerri. Know that Carlee and Jolee are loved and will carry your legacy to many generations. Lord, you created such a masterpeice in Kerri Lane. Thank you for bringing her into my life and allowing me to be formed and shaped more fully into the image of Jesus as a result of knowing her. Kerri, the harvest of souls that you have touched and left behind is plentiful. The fruit of your life is most beautiful beloved. Jesus, take good care of her!

Salem, OR

Funny title, I know but the plans God has for this place really get me excited! I will be traveling to Salem as a part of a Spring Break Campaign at ACU. God is really opening some incredible opportunities to me as I am learning to take a back seat and let him work in my life. I have been praying about how I could get back to Oregon and God knew that this opportunity was in my immediate future! He is the best. Last summer my family and I went to Eugene as a part of the Into All The World Campaign at Highland. We worked with the Christ Fellowship Church and through that week I formed some incredible relationships. Not only did God answer this specific prayer, he allowed the group of my closest and best friends to be on the team with me! There are some awesome servants of Jesus in this group and I can't wait to see how my life will be changed as a result of this campaign over Spring Break. Emily, JDubb, JSwim, Kevin, Blake, Katrina, and Mary, I love you guys and I know God will be glorified through our time together in Salem. Thank you for showing and teaching me the image of Jesus through the gifts of your friendship and your lives.

"I am the light of the world. The person who follows me will never live in darkness, but will have the light that gives life." John 8:12

Lord, let your anointing fall! Have your way in all of us, Lord. We love you more than all other things in this world.

Salem, OR

Funny title, I know but the plans God has for this place really get me excited! I will be traveling to Salem as a part of a Spring Break Campaign at ACU. God is really opening some incredible opportunities to me as I am learning to take a back seat and let him work in my life. I have been praying about how I could get back to Oregon and God knew that this opportunity was in my immediate future! He is the best. Last summer my family and I went to Eugene as a part of the Into All The World Campaign at Highland. We worked with the Christ Fellowship Church and through that week I formed some incredible relationships. Not only did God answer this specific prayer, he allowed the group of my closest and best friends to be on the team with me! There are some awesome servants of Jesus in this group and I can't wait to see how my life will be changed as a result of this campaign over Spring Break. Emily, JDubb, JSwim, Kevin, Blake, Katrina, and Mary, I love you guys and I know God will be glorified through our time together in Salem. Thank you for showing and teaching me the image of Jesus through the gifts of your friendship and your lives.

"I am the light of the world. The person who follows me will never live in darkness, but will have the light that gives life." John 8:12

Lord, let your anointing fall! Have your way in all of us, Lord. We love you more than all other things in this world.

Atticus Finch

This post was inspired by a quote written in a blog by my friend Beverly. Atticus Finch is one of my all-time favorite characters in all of literature. There is so much we can learn from this wise, tender, gentle family man. One thing I love about Atticus Finch is his desire to be a part of a better world. This is such a rich and complex character with so many different facets to draw from. To Kill a Mockingbird is in the list of the ten best books I have ever read. Inadvertently, this book changed how I see the world. Harper Lee paints such a lovely, invigorating tale with Atticus Finch being one of the central illustrations. The quote on Beverly's blog today:

"There's a lot of ugly things in this world, son. I wish I could keep 'em all away from you. That's not possible." -- Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird

I wish the world held more Atticus Finch's. Be blessed today as you think about the influence of this incredible literary character. He is one of the best.

Servants

My life has been richly blessed to have so many examples of Christ-honoring, sefless servants. Many of the people that I consider to be servant examples in my life do not care for the gleam of the limelight. These are men and women who truly know what it means to pick up the cross of Christ and follow his call. There is a part of each of their lives that I am praying will become part of my spirit. Some of these cherished people include Rob and Cheryl Cunningham, Jayma Savage, Squeaky Walker, Latimer Bowen Ramsey, Gary and Maria White, Mark and Gina Lewis, Jim and Susan Clark, Daryl and Rebekah Zeller, Wes and Terrie Bennett, Steve and Chelsie Sargent, Terry and Gayla Pope, Greg and Tina Etter, Jim and Jody Reese, John and Evelyn Willis, and so many others. Through the gift of these peoples' lives I have been shaped more fully into the image of Jesus. Who are some of your cherished servant examples?

What a Month

December was an unbelieveably busy month. My brother got married the day after school was out for Christmas, on Christmas evening they moved into our upstairs, and my daddy got a new puppy. All in all, I loved being home for a month! I really cherish my times at home with uninterrupted time with my family but I also love being around my friends. I know that God has great plans for the Spring semester and I cannot wait to see what he will bring into my life. I just wanted to give a little update. I am alive and doing well.

What a Month

December was an unbelieveably busy month. My brother got married the day after school was out for Christmas, on Christmas evening they moved into our upstairs, and my daddy got a new puppy. All in all, I loved being home for a month! I really cherish my times at home with uninterrupted time with my family but I also love being around my friends. I know that God has great plans for the Spring semester and I cannot wait to see what he will bring into my life. I just wanted to give a little update. I am alive and doing well.

Christmas is Coming

I am so excited today is the beginning of December. That means it is only nine days until my brother's wedding. The first day of December also means that finals are next week and the semester is almost over. Yeah. I only have to take one final next week so I am very thankful for that. I am so ready for Christmas to arrive. I am ready to be home with family and friends for a month. I would ask that those who visit here in the next day or so would lift my brother and his fiancee' up before the Lord. These last few days can be very tense and stressful as the big day approaches. Thank you Lord for the coming of Christmas.

Wedding Bells

For those who don't already know, my brother is getting married at the beginning of December. God could not have blessed him with a more perfect young woman to share life's journey. Our entire family has been immeasurably blessed to get to know and love Laura. She has such a lovely and genuine heart that is actively seeking after the desires of the Lord. As you might imagine our home has been buzzing as we have helped finalize details for a memorable day of celebration for them both. I have prayed for Grant's mate for so long and I praise God for his faithfulness to walk beside Grant every step of the way. I get a new sister for Christmas this year! She has become so precious to me and I can't wait to only grow to love her more as the years pass. The Lord knows how I love my brother and how deeply he has blessed my life. Laura is only an extension of God's lavish goodness and I thank God for allowing her to become part of our family. Thank you Lord for giving Grant the most fervent desire of his heart and for answering the many prayers lifted on his behalf. She is so beautiful. May they only grow in love and devotion to you and to one another as you author their life together.

God's Lessons

Hi bloggers! I am sorry I haven't posted in a while. God has really been trying to teach me a few things lately. His number one lesson has been trust. There are so many times in my life that I rely on my own power and I forget to hand things over to my infinite all-knowing God. He has been teaching me that only HE can take all of my petty little concerns and work them together for His good. Sometimes in an effort to please him, I forget to give him the two things he truly desires, my heart and my trust. I am thankful that we as his beloved children are never completely finished learing from his divine wisdom. Thank you Lord that you never fully stop refining the hearts of those who love you. When we doubt he doesn't chastise or blame. God, being the ever-faithful, loving Father he is, dusts us off and gives us another day to praise and honor him. The Spirit keeps reminding me that I only need to look to His strength to find peace, joy, hope, and light. Lord it is my prayer that I will daily look to your strength to find my confidence, joy, and peace. You are the giver of all good things. It is in YOU and you alone where I find life and sustenance. Blessed be your name, O Father. I love you.

Top Ten Songs

According to Chelsie Sargent, I have been tagged to share with the blogging community my top 10 favorite songs right now. They are in no particular order.

Lifesong - Casting Crowns
God Bless This Broken Road - Rascal Flatts
Indescribable - Chris Tomlin
Held - Natalie Grant
Bless Your Name - Selah
Living Prayer - The Zoe Group
Let The Worshippers Arise - Phillips, Craig, & Dean
We Are The Body of Christ - Hymn
Worthy Is The Lamb - Hymn
Blue Skies - Point of Grace

Be blessed today.

Let the Semester Begin....

It's that time again. The time when the syllabus rears its ugly head to let the college student know of looming deadlines, its the time when critical decision-making skills come into play. Do I stay in and read the Biology chapter or do I make a Starbucks run with friends? The past two days have flown by as the semester has announced its beginning. To be perfectly honest though, I'm glad the school year has gotten underway. I am really excited to see where the Lord will lead as I make myself available for His use and his divine and eternal purpose. Throughout the craziness of the past couple of days, He has reminded me that as I surrender all of myself and everything within me, unto his throne and the foot of the cross, any burdens, worries, or thoughts of insufficiency will be conquered by his peace and the power of his blood. I am given confidence in the fact that if I do my part, He will undoubtedly fill in the rest. I have also been incredibly blessed to have a roommate and a group of friends that passionately yet humbly and authentically follow the way of Christ. To live a blessed life is a priviledge. My prayer for all of us today is that we will take time to notice the blessings that the hand of God has lavished upon us. May our eyes and our spirits be opened in a new and bigger way so that we may see the the reign of the Almighty that makes itelf present all aroud us if we take the time to acknowledge it. Be blessed.

God Bless You, Grant & Laura

Last night was a BIG night for the Cunningham family! Grant proposed to the woman of his dreams in a gazebo decked out with twinkle lights, cadles, and red roses, and to top it off, this gazebo was in Latimer Bowen Ramsey's backyard. Anyone who has seen this incredible place knows what a holy sactuary it is. My mom, daddy, and I had the honor of having Laura's three best friends there to help make the site beautiful, memorable, and romantic for both of them. These three young women are so beautiful, funny, and sweet. I can definitely see why they are deeply loved by Laura. After the proposal we had a celebration at our house and every person there is in some way very special and connected to them and their relationship. It was absolutely precious for me to witness just a glimpse of how much Grant and our family is loved! The smiles on both Grant and Laura's faces was priceless! What a great memory last night was! I will cherish it always. Mr. & Mrs. Grant Cunningham... WOW! Come, December, come! Congratulations! I love you both and I can't wait to see how God will lead and bless your lives.

Joy All Around

My life is so full! I am constantly in awe of the many ways God chooses to show me that he sees me, that he knows me, and that he loves me with an uncomprehensible, lavish love. I am humbled that he would even know my name! It is such an immeasurable blessing to know with all certainty that I am his humble servant, a beloved heir of his salvation, and that I am a masterpiece born of a God who constantly pursues my heart. When I think of all of the wonderful things he has done and all of the beloved people that he has placed on my journey, I can do nothing but lift up my heart to him in praise. God is present and attentive in all circumstances. I am so thankful that he is a Father who longs to delight in and prosper all of those who have claimed his eternal hope and promise. May all who enter here be blessed.

Six Months

Six months ago yesterday, the Body at Highland was changed forever in obvious and unseen ways. It seems as though the car accident that claimed the life of one child and indelibly impacted six others happened just yesterday. Today, in the Abilene-Reporter News, was a story written to update the community on the progress and healing of the seven families personally affected by the events of January 16th. Although I do not feel as though I know all of the families well, I have been humbled as I have prayed and begged God to heal whatever brokenness and unrest there hs been for this precious part of my church that has been hurt in such a present, permanent way. I do not have words to express the emotion that has welled up within me as I have watched the Bourlands, the Bennetts, the Lemmons, and the Copes walk with one foot in front of the other and trust that God is in control. My heart has been renewed as I have watched Bret, Jennifer, Taylor, and Brock take the Lord's hand, fully trusting in his promise, and walk through some very real valleys in the months after losing Brody. There have been so many days in months past that I have yearned to have known Brody better, as I have heard story after story of his compassion, his servant heart, his love, and his humble, Godly leadership. He truly was a good and faithful servant in the eyes of God, although his eleven years were cut short.

Through the experiences and the stories of healing of these families, I have been incredibly edified, challenged, humbled, and grown.They have shown me just how to take the load one is given and bear it with trust and hope in an all-sufficient, ever-faithful Father who does not forsake his cherished possessions, but walks beside them, shouldering what is heavy and unbearable for their journey toward his heart and the eternal home that is awaiting these precious ones in heaven. Let me say as a witness to each families' road of grief and their persistence toward healing, that it has been an immense honor for my family and I to walk beside and serve them. Thank you for being so real, so transparent, and so beautifully surrendered to the reign of God.