Sunday, July 18, 2010

It's unlock...but what are you going to do?



There's doors, gates, keyholes, or whatever you want to call it that unlocks that most secretive parts in our hearts. The part that we rarely, if ever...really let anyone see. We sometimes don't know even know our deepest joy or pain. It hasn't been discovered yet. There's a lot we don't know about ourselves. But someone does. He knows every laugh you have ever laughed, every tear that has been shed, and every smile that crept across your face making your eyes twinkle in secretive delight. He knows you. Every core of your being is so special to Him and He wants be in the mist of all of your doings. He wants to share your delight, your sadness, your split can't stop laughing moments. Here's the kicker.






Until you open that entrance way, He can't fully enter into your life. He's not going to force His way in. You're going to have to choose. He's there for you... is not His name Emmanuel meaning God with us? That means in everything in the good, in the bad, and in the between, He's with you. But it is you who lets Him in completely. No one else can do it for you. No one can make you. It is your choice alone. God is with you, but until you let Him in your heart can you share with Him that only you and Him knows. Sometimes its scary and there's time you don't want to do it, but its worth it. But remember, only you can open that gate wide enough to let Him in. It's unlock...but what are you going to do? It's up to you.

Sunday, June 13, 2010



Isn't she a beauty? I have long awaited this gifted for two years. My parents decided that when us girls were 20 that we could get a hope chest. My sister received her gift and after a year of searching she found the perfect hope chest for her. I decided I didn't want to wait that long after my birthday and started praying that I'd find my hope chest. My prayer went so far as to include this "Please God let me find a hope chest VERY soon after my birthday or better yet on my birthday. Let it be a beautiful brown color, cedar lined, absolutely beautiful and 100% perfect for me. I really, really want a lock to come with it cause you know how much I adore locks. Thank you. amen,"
Two years and roughly 10 months later. Mom decided it was time to start looking. Kate, mom and I took a look around a store, but found no hope chest. My second time out, Dad with me and mom. We stopped by a Carolina Furniture store off of Broadway and looked around. Just as we head out the store...I saw it. My Hope chest. The beautiful shinning walnut color beckoned me. I touched the lock on the outside of the sleek, clean, and yet warm chest. The smell of cedar rose to meet me and a drawer, an extra bonus of which I had not prayed for greeted me. One glance, I knew that was it. I decided to wait for a few days just to make sure that it was really it. On Thursday we stop by, I just couldn't wait any longer. So three days before my birthday we purchased it. The day of my birthday, my sweet brother lent us his van and I saw my present come home. It rests sweetly at the end of my bed, ready for hopes and dreams of a life ahead.

Monday, May 10, 2010

My sister...a Lee University Graduate



Here she is my dear friends. My best friend and sister a college graduate. Hard and yet so easy to believe four years have passed by. I have awaited this moment for years. Would you believe me, that I cried when she left for Lee. Seriously, I'd sit in her room against the wall and cry my eyes out. I'd count the days when I would see her again. Lee University though I never attended for classes, soon became a like a home to me. Every semester I'd go down there. Just me. Our traditions quickly formed. Her friends quickly accepted me and soon knew me. To them I wasn't Kate's sister, they actually called me by name. Our traditions were very rarely missed if ever. A walk around Lee and up and down the streets are precious memories. We'd laugh and take pictures, often involved in conversations or simply quiet enjoying the day we had. Always we'd finish off the day with a movie. Coffee was usually mixed in somewhere in the weekend.
This time, when I came she was graduating. We'd both say good-bye to Lee. Mom was so very gracious to let me stay with Kate one more evening before Kate would leave Lee forever as a student. I thought I'd miss my semester with her. One more opportunity came, we began the traditions one last time. After Kate took me to Baskin Robbins, (I can't recall the last time I've been to Baskin Robbins), then we walked around Lee taking pictures. Afterwards we tried to get back to the apartment we were staying at, and got locked out. So we went out to Arbys and went to Alumni Park at Lee got in a our final tradition with a new twist. We watched parts of Sabrina under a starry cold night eating warm Arby sandwiches while snuggling with our blankets. It was a perfect way to end our last evening at Lee together.
I wish I could find the words to say how much I am proud of her. She's a mentor, best friend, and most importantly my dearest sister.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

A beautiful life

Today, a very dear friend got married today! I wish all the joy she and her hubby can stand. Her wedding was absolutely beautiful, the decorations very simply elegant. But what was breathtaking was the love that She and Benjamin shared. I delighted in listening to the vows they proclaimed to each other. Truly, this was a very special wedding. Lisa is stunning and to all who know her, she is very much beloved. I was glad to be a part of this special day.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Sweet life among busy times

It's hard to believe spring is almost here. The fact that the trees are blooming, the sweet presence of flowers are opening, and the lawn is starting to look like a jungle is a breath of sunshine. I LOVE mowing, it's weird I know. But there is something wonderful, be able to survey your work of freshly cut grass against a beautiful blue sky.
The painful blisters on your hands as you haul mulch and spread it across the plot you just weeded is something I'd be proud of. Not the blisters part, but the feeling of being strong...independent. Taking the time to pull out the small weeds with a sun beating on my back is not an easy task, but I welcome it. There were times the last two summers, I'd wake close to six in the morning just so I could be outside before the air got humid. My responsibility of mowing and tending the gardens I jealously guard and hate if I don't have the time.
To me...this is not just a relaxingly thing, it a way of life for me. Something that allows me to be independent, strong, and be able to produce...something beautiful for others to create.
Unlike most enjoyments I have, I a lot of times prefer to work alone. It's my time with God. But I welcome company if they come. It brings a sense of unity and family, something I dearly love.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Netherlands!

There is a song right now that is so perfect for my life is the song Where You go I go by Jesus Culture.

where you go I go
what you say I say, God
where you pray I pray
where you pray I pray
(repeat)

Verse
Jesus only did
what he saw you do
he would only say
what he heard you speak

he would only move
when he felt you lead
following your heart
following your spirit

how could I expect
to walk without you
when every move that Jesus made
was in surrender

I would not begin
to live without you
for you alone are worthy
and you are always good

you are always good
yeah...

you are always good
always good
always good
yeah, yeah yeah

Chorus

Bridge
though the world sees and soon forgets
we will not forget who you are and what you've done for us,
what you've done for us



The reason why this song means so much is because I am living this song. God has opened a huge door for me. There was an opportunity and I took it with my eyes open and diving into the deep. This summer, 6 days after I would have turned 20, I will be leaving on June 18th to go Netherlands for 3 1/2 weeks. God has renewed a passion within me to travel. I will be studying abroad, but I am also going to do my Father's will. I hadn't considered this to be even a remote possiblity of going, then one day I heard him say "GO" , sort'a out of the blue. I checked into it, and out of faith put in application. I found a scholarship and applied for it.
That night I was attacked and began fretting of no worthy consideration. I shoved everything aside and asked God to take care of it all. I reminded myself that God told me to go...all I got to do is obey and have faith. He'll take care of the rest. He WILL provide the way. I can't make it happen, He will make it happen.
Get this my dear friends, about a week later I received an e-mail the same day my Dad was turned away from a potential job, I received a scholarship for Netherlands. Talk about timing!
My God is so very good! When God tells me to do something, I don't stick my toes in to see what's like, I jump with both feet spring all the energy I've got within me. Because I do give it all or I don't do it at all. So what HE says I say, and where HE goes, I go.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Psalms 84

How lovely is your dwelling place
O Lord Almighty!
My souls years, even faints,
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my fleash cry out
for the living God.

Even the sparrow has found
a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young-
a place near your altars
O Lord Almighty, my King
and my God
Blessed are those who dwell
in your house;
they are every praising You

Selah



Blessed are those whose
strength is in you,
who have seat their hearts
on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the
Valley of Baca,
the make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it will pools
They go from strength to
strength,
till each appears before God
in Zion.

Hear my prayer, O Lord God
Almighty;
listen to me, O god of Jacob

Selah

Look upon our shield
O God;
look with favor on your
anointed one.

Better is one day in your
courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a
doorkeeper in the house
of my God
than dwell in the tents of the
wicked
For the Lord God is a sun
and shield
no good things does he
withhold
from those whose walk is
blameless.

O Lord Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts
in you.