friday renewal

"...'You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing'... You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in peasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance."

Psalm 16

Ever have one of those days where your reading of scripture fills you with that "this is so good" feeling? I love being reminded of the beauty of scripture, and having my love renewed for it. Those are good mornings.

Image Found here //

faith and connection

I'm one of those read-several-books-at-once types, which could explain why it takes me so long to get through some books. So, although I posted about some good reads just a few weeks ago, I have yet another one to promote :)

Have you ever read Francine Rivers? I know I'm a little late to the game, but I have been eating up her books over the past year. She is a phenomenal writer because she is an amazing story teller. She knows how to set up a story contextually so that no matter who you are or what you've experienced, you can find a way to relate, connect to, and understand the character and their "world."

Her "Mark of the Lion" series might be one of my favorite series I've ever read. The best part is all of her books in some way tell the story of God and His love for His people. There's a deeper meaning to it all, and I am left feeling humbled and connected to Him.

Currently I am reading Lineage of Grace, and spend each morning reading a few pages and drawing close to God through it before I start my day. This book is a compilation of 5 different stories of women in the Bible. They are all women whose stories I have read and heard "x" number of women's devotionals about, but this book is helping me connect with these women- see them as real people, with real thought and feelings, and finally get why they are esteemed throughout scripture for their faith. And I've been filled with a joy and excitement at meeting these women one day in Heaven and becoming friends with them :) A good book is a good thing, but a book that brings me closer to God and my identity in Him is wonderful.




Image Sources: 1. Wheat field // 2. Wayfaring stranger //

the little piece of heaven

What was your summer routine when you were growing up? Both of my brothers are at camp this week, and it seems that with each summer that passes I miss it just a little more. I was able to be a part of camp for 16 years, and after 5 years of full time counseling and with marriage on the horizon, I was ready to call it quits. Now, as I see my brother spending his summers as a full time counselor, I am reminded of the sense of family amongst campers, counselors, and workers, and the beauty in the calm of each morning before the crazy begins.

I also miss the time away from the world, with some of my best friends just a cabin away. After the directors of 20+ years stepped down and a new couple took their place, the next generation has risen to call camp their home. They've created a new space, with new trends and personalities and activities. But the same will be true for everyone- a safe haven to connect with God and grow to love Him more deeply. 

And one more memory just for fun... ;)

xo

light and peace

"... to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."

Luke 1:79

What a beautiful and powerful image! Jesus came to free us all from darkness and death. Thank you, God, for shining the light on me in the darkness. I am so thankful to not be enslaved to it, and to have Him as my guide on the path of peace.

xo

Image found here //

thankful thinking

"A thankful mindset keeps you in touch with [Him]." - Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

How can you protect your joy today and be close to Him? Don't let negativity steal the full joy and complete closeness that He offers you daily. Reflecting on and reminding myself of this today.

xo

P.S. I have been craving a good camping trip- doesn't this picture sum it up beautifully?? :)

Image found here //

washed clean

"Trust Me enough to accept the full forgiveness that I offer you continually. 

This great gift, which cost Me My Life, is yours for all eternity."

- Jesus Calling, Sarah Young

Thank you, God, for 8 full years of the precious gift of forgiveness and renewal.

Image found here //

light and laughter

"Don't take yourself so seriously. Lighten up and laugh with Me. You have Me on your side, so what are you worried about? I can equip you to do absolutely anything, as long as it is My will."

- Jesus Calling (Sarah Young)

What a great perspective on anxiety- I never would have thought to approach my nerves regarding a certain upcoming situation in this way. Laugh about it. Enter it confidently and securely. God leads the way. You are safe in Him. 

xo

Image found here //

are you a negative person?

Negativity is an interesting thing. It is alluring; we are drawn to it, perhaps because it is easier, or less vulnerable, or it seems less maintenance. It seems unconventional, alternative, and cool. It seems intelligent. Others are drawn towards it, too. It seems to unite people together through humorous sarcasm and confident protest. But it pushes people away, as well… at least, the people you actually would want and need to be around. Negativity is a poor friend, and a poor substitute for joy and satisfaction. It tricks you by trapping you and forcing you to put up walls and harden yourself, and before you know it, it's the only way you can see and understand things, and it closes you off to opportunities to change.

But! What God offers is truly unconventional, because it goes against this natural desire in us all to be critical and closed off. He gives us the opportunity to be reborn to love. To be "cleansed from the essential unforgiving bitterness of the self-centered life" and to have within "something of the forgiving and sacrificial love of God" (William Barclay). Surround yourself with positive thoughts by surrounding yourself both with gratitude, and with positive, uplifting people. Refuse to give in to letting negativity have a place in your life. Are you up for the challenge of allowing yourself to be cleansed from negativity? 

"… give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you…" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). In ALL circumstances. When you're unemployed, when you're employed but hate it, when you're depressed or anxious, when you're lonely, when you're overwhelmed, when you're tired… and it's not just His hope for you, but it is His will. Direct yourself to live in accordance to His will.

"Thank Me for each blessing along the way; this brings joy to both you and Me. A grateful heart protects you from negative thinking. Thankfulness enables you to see the abundance I shower upon you daily." (Jesus Calling)

xo

P.S. Here is a great sermon on positive thinking (#72), and a book that teaches how to have positive thoughts. 

Image found here //

faith continues to rejoice in Him

I read this scripture this morning and felt it connected to yesterday's post. God is our joy, our salvation, our strength, and our hope no matter our circumstance- even when all signs point to loss and discouragement. He is the constant merciful and loving Father. 

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, there there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." - Habakkuk 3:17-19

xo

Image via here //

His unchanging nature

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." {James 1:17}

My perspective of God and who He is sometimes seems to shift day to day, based on my circumstances or how I do or don't see Him working in my life. One day He seems intricately involved, one day He seems distant. One day He seems full of love and mercy, one day I feel like He's out to get me. It is vital to remember that who He is does not change just because of how you feel, or because of how you see Him (or don't see Him) moving. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and He doesn't change (Malachi 3:6). He is always good, always just, always compassionate, always merciful, always sovereign. In all things, always.

Image found here //

beautiful peace

"But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever."
                                           {Psalm 52:8}

I was reading through some scriptures this morning, and was struck by the beauty in this particular passage. Not only the imagery of the first part, but even the confidence of the writer in the second segment. It's not "I will" or "I try", but, "I do." It's easy to think this kind of confidence is pride or arrogance, but being sure of your confidence in God is purely humble, peaceful, and reassuring. I also looked up a few olive tree images, and now I'm wishing I lived near a grove- what objects of such beauty and peace!

xo

Images found here, here, and here //

unexpected plans

"When your plans our thwarted, be on the lookout for [God]. [He] may be doing something important in your life, something quite different from what you expected. It is essential at such times to stay in communication with [Him], accepting [His] way as better than yours. Don't try to figure out what is happening. Simply trust [Him] and thank [Him] in advance for the good that will come out of it all."
                                                  - "Jesus Calling"

"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
                                                    - Isaiah 55:10-11

Image found here //

to live each day

"A thankful, trusting attitude helps you to see events in your life from My perspective… Resist your tendency to search for the easiest route through the day. Be willing to follow wherever I lead. No matter how steep or treacherous the path before you, the safest place to be is by My side."

- Calling Jesus, Sarah Young

not the anchor, but the boat

In times of sorrow and trouble, we feel the need for God even more. But the reality is, our need for him is ever-present, regardless of our feelings or situation. Our need for him is infinitely unceasing and unchanging. 

Image Found here // 

a time to be still and a time to move forward

"The Lord our God said to us at Horeb, 'You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance into the hill country…'" {Deuteronomy 1:6-7}

"'You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north…'"

{Deuteronomy 2:3}

How did He know when it had been "long enough"? What made Him decide? I'm not sure the reason, or if there really is one.
But He hadn't forgotten them.
He knows when enough is enough, and He will give direction when "it's" been enough.

 Let me be faithful to and trusting in You, and not to myself or in my circumstances.

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the shepherd and the sheep

"Then I said to you, 'Do not be terrified, do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.'
 In spite of this, you did not trust in the Lord your God, who went ahead of you on your journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for you to camp and to show you the way you should go."

                        -Deuteronomy 1:29-33

He goes before you.

He fights for you.

He's done it before.

He's pulled you out of slavery and desolation.

You've seen it.

He carries you lovingly. 

He carries you to where you need to go.

He goes ahead of you.

He searches for you, and finds where you should go.

He shows you the way to get there. 

Image found here //

made new

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, 

for His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is Your faithfulness."

-Lamentations 3:22-23 

Just reflecting today on how humbling and wonderful it is to have the chance to be made new in the peace of each morning. 

Thank you, Lord, for your unfailing grace and love, mercy and direction. 

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

-Psalm 119:105

 // Picture here 

preacher man

Andrew had the opportunity to preach at church yesterday, with the help of a translator :) 

Two weeks from today, we will be on American soil. We unfortunately have a 9.5 hour layover in Ft. Lauderdale and could drive home faster. But, we will be in America none-the-less and already have plans to scout out a white sandy beach and a Chick-Fil-A... Do they have those in Florida? Please don't burst my bubble and tell me no... 

We are still in a transitional state- still looking for an apartment that is the right fit for us, and waiting to hear back about a job Andrew interviewed for, etc. Praying and hoping to be led to what is best for us.

xo 

two month tribute

As of today, we have officially been in Haiti for two months! Our first break home is only a few weeks away (September 16), and riding home in the tap-tap a few days ago...

because He is good

This morning I spent some time meditating on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. A simple scripture that I have read countless times over the years, even shared with other people:

"Rejoice always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances; 

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

But today...