Hope Lives...

This week, through many different avenues, God has been teaching me that His hope lives all around those who seek it and have eyes and ears to receive its never-fading and unending call to keep pressing on in this earthly life. When life is given wholly to the cause of making Jesus attractive to others, and making sure our lives reflect a true-to-life representation of His activity and Presence in our lives, people have no choice but to ask questions about the hope that is made prominant in us as His chosen and dearly loved believers. To be completely honest, I want my life and my degree of devotion to raise eyebrows. I desire to make people wonder whrere my life-source comes from. I want to pursue the people of this planet with joy and pure passion.

Jesus calls me to love him with ruthless trust and abandon. He is intensely interested and invested in submissive oneness and obedience to His voice, His agendas, and the pursuits of His heart in the lives of those who claim to belong to His heritage of belief and discipleship. God doesn't look at the histories of our past decisions and failures with a red pen ready to mark up our past mistakes that have helped make us who we are. He is, however, given to making our lives tapestries of His matchless love and white-hot fervency that is found in taking unhindered delight in His thoughts, His wisdom, and His Presence. When we make a life-covenant with the leadings of His Spirit, He is given permission to permeate our entire beings as His glory breaks into the deepest parts of our inner person.

Allow hope to live in and through you this week. You will be ecstatic with the choice to give complete accesss to the glory of God, trust me. I know.

Books, Books, Bring on the Books...

If you know me for any length of time at all, you quickly learn one thing about me: I adore books. I relish stories. I can get lost in a good book for a very very long time. My friend Katie has been keeping a record of the books she reads each month, much like my treasured friend Chelsie. There are WAY too many favorites to choose only a few in my library. Here are some of my favorites and some I am in the process of reading right now. At least three of the featured series are going to get revisited in the very near future. Whatever I don't get to soon will be put on my summer reading agenda. Let the glimpse into my favorites begin: Anne of Green Gables has always been such a treasured series to me. I just love Anne-with-an-E. I have the all the movies almost memorized. She was such a loveable and cherished childhood playmate and friend when I was growing up. Can't wait to reread this beloved series soon.

I absolutely cannot get enough of these precious and mischevous kindred-sister characters. I see myself in so many parts of their lovely tale. I think I most identify with Jo as a writer, but with Beth as a mirror of my quiet, and eager-to-please nature. I love the March sisters and all that they learn about themselves and each other as they choose to love one another through all of life's storms, adventures, and rediculously fantastic fantasies. Marmie has also served as a wonderful teacher as I've gleaned from her fierce adoration and protection of their innocence and her ruthless trust in the relationship they share.

This is yet another beloved series of mine. I adore the Little House stories. Laura is by far my very favorite character. I can relate so much to her questions, her desire to hurry through her childhood to enter the world of adults, and her fierce, non-intentional-favorite relationship she shares with Charles. I see a lot of the same parallels between their relationship and the one I share with my own precious father. Laura is also not afraid to mess up and learn from her mistakes. I love that. This is definitely on my all-time favorite books list.

One of my most favorite characters in all of literature is Marty Davis in the Love Comes Softly series written by Jeanette Oke. I received the complete box set of Love Comes Softly on DVD for Christmas this year. I have loved, loved, loved watching them and getting lost in the similarities and overlaps in our lives. If you enjoy wonderful, clean. and faith-based movies, this is a must-see collection. I cannot wait to read the books.

I am in the midst of a season of trying to discern the stirrings of the Holy Spirit right now and I am LOVING this treasure of a book, called Forgotten God by Francis Chan, the author of Crazy Love. The Spirit is teaching me that He only seeks my obedience and my adoration rather than questioning of His leading and being afraid of man. Wow, am I so in love with Holy Spirit. If you are seeking more of His Presence, this is a must-read. This is a book I am so excited about. It is Surprised by the Power of the Spirit by Jack Deere. I am really desiring to be a student of the Holy Spirit throughout my time on this earth. I yearn to be guided and led by the agendas of the Spirit in all that I do and say. I am learning a fearless boldness as I just simply surrender what I've made out of myself to the divine ordinances of the Holy Spirit. Wow, what a precious, tender, and life-giving teacher He is. I want to always always welcome His higher ways of thinking and living.

There you go. Go and find a delicious book and happy reading :)

A Sweet Teacher...

This season of my journey with Jesus has been one of learning deeper things and I have loved it. I yearn to love Jesus desperately. My life-long prayer is that I will know Him in the most intimate way possible on the earth. I long to seek His face and the things that stir His heart with a passion that is pure, reckless, and totally surrendered to His agenda. It is my prayer that my life leads others to the feet and heart of Christ. He is just the best thing there is about this life. Jesus makes EVERYTHING worthwhile.

I am a person who is pretty progressive in my beliefs. I like to think of myself as a Church of Christ girl with a Charasmatic spirit and heart. I am not interested in being fake in my journey of discipleship. I want to delve deeply into the heart of the God I have given myself over to. I want to associate with friends who encourage, sharpen, and challenge my thinking, my beliefs, and my dreams. I want to be a student of lives that are deeply invested in the call of Christ. The Holy Spirit has been so precious to me as He has helped me discover things in my life that need to change and grow. I have come to know that the Lord is the best, most patient, and most tender teacher. I never want to outgrow the need of having a teachable spirit. I always want to welcome new lessons with gratitude and thanks. I want to be a life-long student in the School of the Holy Spirit as He leads my spiritual development into newer and richer depths of my God.

Knitting 101...

I think I've discovered a new hobby. I began learning to knit this week. I've wanted to learn this skill for awhile but just haven't sat down to do it. Well, that all changed this week. I am a huge fan of scarves, so that is what I really want to learn how to knit. Nothing else, only scarves. I have been watching YouTube tutorial knitting videoes in my spare time this week. I have to say that I am NOT very good at all yet, but I think once I get the hang of holding the needles and getting the rythm of my knit stich, I'll really enjoy it. If there are any knitters out there, I could really use your advice, helpful resources, or any tips you might be able to share. I have to admit, I've found trying to learn it off the YouTube videoes is a bit difficult. I had a very sweet and patient friend from Ladies Bible Class spend an hour with me on Tuesday teaching me the knit stich. The thing is, I need her to sit with me again until I really feel like I have the hang of it. I have found that having step-by-step instructions really helps me. I think I need to check and see if Amazon has a Knitting For Dummies book. I think I'll go check into that.

Anne Shirley...

Anne Shirley is one of my very favorite and most cherished characters of all time. I adored watching Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea when I was growing up. I could watch these movies over and over and over again. These two movies have some of my most treasured memories as a little girl. I loved watching Matthew, the batchelor adoptive father to Anne, treasure the relationship he and Anne shared. I loved watching Marilla, Anne's old maid turned adoptive mother learn to appreciate Anne's strong willed independence and uniqueness. I also loved Gilbert. I could easily get lost in these precious stories. The fact is I still love to get lost in them. Anne Shirley has permanently secured a very cherished place in my memory and in my heart,

Something To Confess...

Today I had the precious honor of watching a beautiful, Spirit-saturated memorial service. I have been on my knees for Jenny Bizaillion and the entire Ross family for weeks now. Monday, when I learned of her passing, I was absolutely heartbroken--for David, for Malaya, and for Rick, Beverly, Josh, Jonathan, Kayci and Jennifer. I wanted God to heal Jenny. I wanted God's glory to be manifested in her physical healing. I prayed so hard for it. But, there's a funny thing about following God. It is important to understand that we as His followers may not understand His ways and his reasons for doing things. I certainly do not understand why she had to die so young at 31. I have asked big questions of God. I have wrestled with Him. But the bottom line is I still believe He knows what He is doing and I still believe He is altogether good even when I fail to understand.

Praying so hard for someone does something transformative to you if you allow it to. The Holy Spirit connects you to that person in a very stong way. Even though I didn't personally know Jenny, I had already dreampt of what kind of precious and special person she must have been, she had to be just fabulous. Today's memorial service was a sweet testimony of the cross-formed person Jenny was. It was a good thing I only listened to the service because I was an absolute wreck by the end of it. I will never forget how Jonathan led people to the cross before even one word was spoken and how Josh absolutely left me bawling at how intensely personal and full of tested and authentically proven faith his words were. I know Rick and Beverly are so proud of their three precious children because they are all devotedly following after the heart of Jesus. I will tell you this my friend Karen said it beautifully today. She said, "I don't really have the right words...but just a peek into her and her family's life changed mine." I couldn't say it any better. It is such an honor for me to know and love her brother Josh. He is such a wonderful man of God. I will not ever forget Jenny or the precious mark she left on this world. I want to be celebrated and remembered as Jenny was today. It was absolutely beautiful.

Even when the circumstances don't turn out the way we would like them to, blessed be the name of the Lord. He is worthy of all praise in all seasons. I am a better person for investing prayer into Jenny's battle. Thank you for that, Abba. You are forever good!

A Wonderful Weekend...

I had a great weekend. I spent it dog-sitting, spending time with people I love, and I had a fabulous and precious treat on Saturday. I finally got to meet my sweet friend, Annalee in person. I also got to meet her precious 2-year-old, Adelaide at the Sip and See for baby Graham, Annalee's adorable new baby boy. At baby Graham's Sip and See I got to hug my adorable friend Ashley and visit with her which was such a sweet blessing. I love how God has blessed my life with such wonderful friends. I am one blessed young woman. On Sunday, Chris Seidman preached at church and his message was excellent. I was challenged, encouraged, and sharpened for sure. I hope you too enjyed a good weekend.

Please Pray...

I am asking all who may visit this blog to please pray for Jenny Bizaillion. She is a thirty-something young woman with a husband and a 9-year-old daughter in the Dallas area. Jenny went to the doctor with a case of the flu that quickly turned to pneumonia and then it turned into sepsis. Jenny was admitted to a Metroplex-area hospital on February 4, 2010. She has been critical for several weeks now and now has gangrene in her feet. You can check out her care pages site at: https://www.carepages.com/carepages/JennyBizaillionUpdates.

PLEASE PRAY UNCEASINGLY FOR THE LORD TO COMPLETELY RESTORE THE CIRCULATION IN HER FEET IN ORDER TO AVOID AMPUTATION!!! WE ARE ALL ASKING THE LORD TO FULLY AND COMPLETELY RESTORE HER AND HEAL HER.

Jenny is a graduate of ACU and is the sister of Josh Ross who is the Preaching Minister at Sycamore View Church of Christ in Memphis, TN. The Ross and Bizaillion families are completely confident of God's presence with Jenny and they are completely committed to giving all the glory to God for Jenny's healing. We are all thankful for the progress Jenny has made and we are asking the Lord for more! Our God is mighty to save! Thank you so so much for lifing up this precious precious woman and her family to God. May the Lord be moved to completely restore Jenny as a result of our prayers!

A Snowy Day In A-Town...

It has been a very snowy day in my neck of the woods. I don't have any pictures to share but I have thouroughly enjoyed this blissful wintery day. You might be asking youself, "Why is she using the word blissful?" Well, there are two reasons. One being that I think snow is lovely to watch. The seccond reason today has been blissful is because I have had to do absolutely nothing. I have caught up on all my DVR'd shows, snuggled under my favorite comfy-cozy red chenille blanket and I've enjoyed a completely contented feeling. I love hibernating in my cozy warm little home on cold, grey, wintery days like today. It's been a wonderful day to be a couch potato :) I hope you've enjoyed your day wherever you are.

Recent Happenings...

Here are a few glimpses into my life as of late:

1. I have had A LOT of opportunities to intercede for others lately. I just plain adore that. Intercession is a major passion of mine. It brings me so much joy to stand in the gap for other believers. Prayer holds immeasurable and unimaginable power and I LOVE being a part of its work. I feel alive when I am engaged in intercession. I have to say, it takes a lot out of me, but the fruit that comes from it is so worth all the energy and time. Plus, I think the eternal effects of it are just mind-blowing. I believe intecession is critical in the Body of Christ and I am so honored to do it.

2. I have had the blessing of writing a bunch of encouragement notes lately and I love that. I love making other people feel special and significant. I try to write several a week. Encouragement is vitally important to me. I have to be surrounded by encouraging and life-giving people and I think it is so important to point out the giftedness of others. In my opinion, there is not enough encouragement in our world these days. I love speaking and writing blessing into the lives of people I love, respect, and cherish. Encouragement is such a joy to parcel out and also to receive.

3. I have really enjoyed watching 19 Kids and Counting and American Idol lately. I am fascinated by 19 Kids and Counting on TLC. I love watching the family dynamics of the Duggar family. I am so encouraged by the mission and values of this family. It is so counter-cultural and out of the norm of our society these days. American Idol has been fun and excruciating to watch at times. There has been some serious talent showcased in the auditions so far, but there have also been horrific singers. I feel sorry for the judges in the audition stage. I'm ready for the time in LA to begin. I'm really excited to watch the dynamic Ellen will bring to the judges panel.

A Wii For Christmas...

Over the Christmas holiday, my brother and sister-in-law came to Abilene and introduced me and my mom and dad to the fun of the Wii. We all had some serious fun with this game system. I had never played with one before Christmas and I have to say it is addicting. I loved the Wii so much I decided a few weeks after Christmas to spend some of my money on one of my own. The games are loads of fun. I have Wii Sports, Wii Active, Super Mario Brothers for Wii, and Wii Play. The Wii has provided several wonderful and fun evenings for mom, dad, and I. I have to say, my favorite things to play are bowiling and tennis. Boy, are my arms sore after playing. I am looking forward to years of fun with the Wii. I think it is a wonderful investment in fun and togetherness with friends and family.

Favorite Things Friday...

OK, ya'll, I have a confession to make. I know its Favorite Things Friday, but seeing as though the creative gene somehow missed me as I was developing in my mother's womb, I will share one of my other favorite things: my favorite brands and flavors of hot tea. I adore hot tea and hot chocolate. I love these two beverages any time, but I especially enjoy them during the wintertime. It most definitely is my hot beverage of choice. So here we go:

I LOVE Twinings Lady Grey Tea. In my opinion, it is a wonderful blend, with a very faint citrusy flavor. This delightful tea is one of my very favorites to drink in the morning to wake me up. This tea is just wonderful all around. I adore it.I love plain 'ole Earl Grey as well. This tea just warms my soul. My favorite time to drink it is on a bitterly cold winter day wrapped up in a comfy-cozy blanket. I have a deep and tall mug with precious cherries on it that I love to drink plain Earl Grey out of. Every time I get to enjoy Earl Grey this way, I feel as though all is right in my world.

Here is where another confession comes in. I have a new love affair beginning when it comes to hot cocoa. This is Stephen's Candycane Cocoa. I had my first soire with this delicious concoction today, and I will never go back to plain hot cocoa. Candycane Cocoa is addicting. Try it, you'll love it too. I truly want to hug whoever invented this yummy beverage. This company will have my business forever. I love this stuff. The candycane notes that are in this cocoa just make me feel good and they make me smile. Sorry its taken me until after 8 to get this typed. I really want to try the English Breakfast Tea blend from Twinings. I think that will be my next tea-reated purchase. So now you are aware of my fervent and undying love of hot tea and hot cocoa. Hope you enjoyed peeking into this part of my personal world. Until next week, go enjoy some hot tea :)

Favorite Things Friday: Music Edition

I know it is Friday and I know the theme for Favorite Things Friday this week is small kitchen appliances, but I don't have many to share. I thought instead of going with that theme, I'd share some of my favorite music. I absolutely adore music. I mean, I think I'm addicted to it. My genre of choice is Contemporary Christian. I just love the message and hope this genre brings to my life. Regularly listening to this type of music just encourages and sharpens me so much as a follower of Jesus. So enjoy the tour of some of my favorite music :)

I absolutely LOVE Hillsong United. I often get lost in the message and the worship that just spills out of their hearts. Plus, I love Darlene Zschech. This is a definite staple in my iPod music library. This album "From the Inside Out" is so awesome. It just fills my soul with unspeakable joy. In fact, worship is one of the deepest passions of my heart. Hillsong United never disappoints. I love the deep hunger for more of God that resides in this album.This is an artist named Kim Walker who is on a worship team at Bethel Church in Redding, California. She has a very unique voice that I love. I really like the fact that her music flows out of her time in God's Presence. Her album that I've connected most with is called "Here Is My Song". It is wonderful. I love the purity and devotion that come across in every song. She is part of a group called Jesus Culture Music. Check her out, she's amazing.

Please let me introduce you to Brian and Jenn Johnson. They are a husband-wife worship pastoring duo out of Bethel Church in Redding. Brian's dad, Bill Johnson, is the senior pastor along with his wife Beni. I love this couple so much. My journey has been immeasurably blessed with the worship that they are invested in. There is such a beautiful simplicity about every thing they produce. This album is called "We Believe". If you are looking for some new worship music, this is great. I can't say enough good about this couple's heart for worship.

Now, I know this is not a Contemporary Christian group, but just allow me this indulgence. I love the Eagles. They are just pure classic. I can't get enough of Wicked Woman, Hotel California, and Easy Feelin'. I don't think their music will go out of sytle any time soon. The songs are so easy to learn and listen to. There have been many roadtrips made with this awesome band. So there you have it, a tour of some of my favorite music and artists. Be sure to tune in next week.

Favorite Things Friday...

Here are my favorite things in the bath and body department. Hope you enjoy:

The shampoo and conditioner collection I use is wonderful for me. I use Herbal Essences infused with orchid oil and coconut milk. Whenever I forget the flavor, I just look for the blue bottles. I am very big into loving the way things smell. This shampoo and conditioner collection just makes my heart happy.

I love this St. Ives 24-Hour Moisture lotion. It makes me feel so clean. I love using it especially during the winter months.I feel so soft when I wear it.

I absolutely adore this Dove Necterine body wash. In fact, I think it is my very favorite step in my shower routine. I love the sweet smell to pieces. This product brings me a lot of joy. I believe every one should have this in their cabinet, but, that is only my very biased opinion. I also thoroughly enjoy the Clean Cucumber smell Dove produces.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Burt's Bees lip balm. Right at this moment, I have two tubes in my purse just in case I run low. I adore how it makes my lips feel. It has a wonderful soothing effect on very chapped lips. I also love that is has a touch of peppermint flavor in it. I know some people who cannot stand it. I happen to think it is such a great invention myself.

Why I Love Blogging...

I really enjoy blogging. There, I said it. The number one reason I really like it is because it allows me to stay in contact with friends near and far. I have absolutely no idea how many people read my ramblings, and that is not why I blog. I blog because it is fun and it allows me to have an outlet for my thoughts. I hope this space in the blogosphere is a place where people feel encouraged and loved by God. I also hope that the things I type here can sharpen and bless the people that read what I choose to share. One of the deepest yearnings of my heart is to be a life-giving student of the things that stir God's heart. God is the one all-consuming passion I have chosen to give my life to. I want to be wrecked and ruined for no one else but Him. I pray that everything said here brings glory to His name. So, whether you blog or not, I hope you feel blessed whenever and however you may visit this space.

Favorite Things Friday, Saturday Edition...

My sweet and wonderful friend Ashley got me hooked on Fridays last year reading about some of her favorite things. I adore things like this that give someone a chance to peek into the lives of people they love in order to get to know them a little more, so I thought I'd join in on the fun. Here we go:

This was a Christmas present from my brother and sister-in-love this year. I adore big bags and I also adore plaid so I know I will get years of use out of this little treasure! It is still waiting to be packed for its inaugural weekend getaway, but it smiles at me everyday and makes my heart feel good.

I also have an on-going, ever=strengthening love affair with monograms. The pillow has a home on my couch and says 'LEC' inside the diamond. The blanket was given to me by my mom but I don't remember the occasion. It sure does keep me warm on a cold day. I love it to pieces.

OK. You know how when alchoholics go to an AA meeting they have to stand and introduce themselves? Well, instead of being an alcoholic, I need an intervention for my love of candles. I probably have 5 in my kitchen cabinet at any given time just waiting to be used. I cannot tell you how at home my soul and my heart feel when I bring out one of these little jewels. It's like I'm in my own little piece of heaven on earth. Right now, my candle of choice is a Red Currant one I picked up at the grocery store. My little home is not big at all so the smell permeates every square inch within about 15 minutes. It is pure bliss in my book.

Until next week, go surround yourself with some of your favorite things :)

Hello To 2010....

Wow. I find it hard to believe that it is already time to begin another year. It seems the older I get, the faster time seems to fly. As I look back on the year behind me, I have to say that it was good--full of opportunites and seasons of growth. It was a year I am thankful for; a year in which I found new depths in my walk with the Lord. There are so many things I adore about my relationship with the Lord, but one of the most precious things to me about it is that there is ALWAYS room to go deeper, to become better, and to learn to love Him in a more intimate way. On the days when I fail Him, I find such comfort in that!

I am ready now to say hello to 2010. I don't know about you, but in my head 2010 just souds different. I am so very excited about the many opportunities and seasons this year will hold. I cannot wait to see where the Lord will take me in this new year. I am greeting this year with a different level of expectantcy than I did the last. I know this to be true: Wherever I go and whatever I do, I will wait and listen to the Lord. I have a feeling that is going to continue to be a place where I can grow. My goal is to not to be one step ahead of the Lord or one step behind Him. I want to be going at His pace in His divine time. One fact that always seems to come back to me year after year is that God's timing is always perfect. He is never late, but He is always on time.

One of my prayers for 2010 is that I will learn to love and rely on God fiercely; in the process of doing that, to love all people in His name and for His glory. And really, those are the two things that will truly matter eternally. I pray that all of you have a very blessed new year.

Not Much To Report...

I cannot believe it is already December. It seems like this year just has gone so quickly. I guess that is the way it is as a person gets older. It certainly seems to become more true in my life with every passing year. In all honesty, there has not been a whole lot going on in my life that is blog worthy. I did see "The Blind Side" with some friends and LOVED it. I think that is a movie I will have to own. If you have not seen it, GO. It is absolutely wonderful. The story is awesome and Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw are great.

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday in Abilene celebrating with my parents, my mom's whole side, my Nana and Pa, my brother and sister, and some family friends. It is always wonderful to see them. The meal was delicious and our home looked beautiful. I just love when a home is full of people. My mom and dad are such wonderful and warm hosts. I love to watch and learn from their hospitality. We spent most of our time together eating and watching some great football. I was very proud of how well the Aggies played against the Longhorns. Our holiday came to a close with an Abilene High game in North Richland Hills and a very restful lazy Saturday with absolutely nothing on the books. All in all, a great Thanksgiving. I adore the holidays :)

I'm Still Here...

These past few weeks have been hard. I've had to say goodbye to a mentor. But through it all the Lord has been good and He has been so faithful. My blogging has taken a back seat the last few weeks. Throughout this time of experiencing the loss of a friend, the Lord has shown me every single day how immeasurably blessed I am. I have a wonderful family, a wonderful, heaven-sent community of friends, and a God who never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I find so much comfort in that fact.

Blessings of Friendship...

I have been unbelivably blessed with the community of friends the Lord has given me. I don't think this life would be bearable without friends. Truly, the Lord, plus friends, plus family make my life what it is. Two weekends ago, I got to see my sweet friend Ashley and I got to meet her precious baby girl Emma Grace and that was so much fun. I've also recently had fun having lunch with two precious sisters, whom I love, Summer and Kate. And I had the pleasure of having lunch with my new sweet friend Karen who has three adorable girls with one on the way. I honestly don't know how I've been so blessed. I think these sweet friendships are just a gift of God's goodness.

God has also given me precious friends that don't live where I do, so I don't get to see them as often as I would like to. I am so grateful for these relationships as well. The Lord says that it is essentially important to be very careful with the people you surround yourself with, and I agree. I just have to say that I believe the people that surround me in life are some of the most devoted, humble, authentic, and precious men and women that I've ever met. I praise the Lord for each of you and the place you have in my community, I am blessed indeed.