New York New York

best friend

Wondering what you are doing...what you are thinking. Wishing we weren't separated by miles. You are a blessing from God. What would life be without my best friend? Can we go ride bikes? Can Allison come out to play? Why did we have to grow up?

i'll huff and i'll puff and i'll blow your house down!

Last week I read the Three Little Pigs to a group of kiddos! It is incredible the truth that may come from a children's story. Sometimes I think too much, but this has been a good one for me to contemplate. What is my house made of? Am I easily tattered by the wind that may come my way? Do I plan and prepare for the storms and threats ahead? And how do I even go about that..."Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matthew 7:24-27

Oregon Duck vs Houston Cougar

And it continues...

The last 72 hours of my life...conversations that leave my heart buzzing and consumed with purpose. I HAVE A PURPOSE! How is it that in one moment I am down with dispair and hopelessness and then with a small cry for help, God comes and overwhelms me with interactions of love and purpose. It began Friday night at a Keith Urban concert. I stood there and watched my friend Janessa experience her first concert. We felt alive as we danced, screamed, and laughed. The struggles of life were left at the door and we enjoyed every moment of the night. It continued the next morning as I had coffee with an old friend in my hometown. Time past quickly as we exposed the depths of our hearts in that moment. Thoughts of renewal and being reconciled to God were shared and what it takes to walk away from the things that try to pull us back in to a lifestyle away from what we were originally created for. It continued as I stopped by my brother Brandon's house to welcome him and my new sister in law back from their honeymoon. Again, conversations of depth and feeling my heart expressed into words...such a great feeling! I felt an awareness and appreciation for the friendship that is beginning to grow between family and myslef. I was overwhelmed by the concept of family and no matter how dysfunctional you think your family is, God still makes it functional. What a concept! It continued as I re-united with a friend that has been abroad for the last year in Africa and then Australia. Meag you are beautiful my friend! Meag...a woman of no compromise. Wanting and willing to do what her Creator desires for her life. Even if that means walking away from your deepest dreams and desires. I sat there absorbed by the words of encouragement that came from her mouth and ultimately her heart. I learned life changing lessons within the hour and can confidently say that I am changed from that interaction. It continued as I drove away from Portland back to Tacoma, the place I now call home. As I sang my guts out in the car, I again was overwhelmed by how God was showing himself to me. I have a feeling that He is always showing himself to me but my clumsy eyes fail to see Him. But by His grace, He awakens me to experience this. I drove for 2.5 hours in a state of gratitude and awe. So this is what it feels like to have purpose. And it continues my friends...I am trying to absorb it all. From the connection He allows me to have with my boyfriend in a random cafe, to the stranger, Sam, that I met at the park. Every interaction has a purpose and I don't want to miss it. So here is a challenge, an encouragement, to cry out to God and ask for help in seeing Him around you. I dare you...

Poverty

poverty is so hard to see
when it’s only on your tv and twenty miles across town
where we’re all living so good
that we moved out of Jesus’ neighborhood
where he’s hungry and not feeling so good
from going through our trash
he says, more than just your cash and coin
i want your time, i want your voice
i want the things you just can’t give me
so what must we do
here in the west we want to follow you
we speak the language and we keep all the rules
even a few we made up
come on and follow me
but sell your house, sell your suv
sell your stocks, sell your security
and give it to the poor
what is this, hey what’s the deal
i don’t sleep around and i don’t steal
i want the things you just can’t give me
because what you do to the least of these
my brother’s, you have done it to me
because i want the things you just can’t give me

lyrics by Derek Webb

what a good lookin' couple!

Here we are! This is what we do...make fools of ourselves to love others. I am thankful for the opportunity to co-direct the youth program of the Tacoma Rescue Mission with a man that loves Jesus and loves me. This is us early in the morning greeting the youth on the first day of school!

SLAM and the kids that melt your heart

SLAM Students Living A Mission was the summer program that stole my heart this summer! With sweat, tears, and laughter I was spending most of my time with 6-8 year olds. Things I learned through SLAM: 1. Boys are to have lots of space to wrestle and that is how God created them to be! 2. I am not in control. 3. Take the time to get on your knees and look a kid in the eye because what he is about to tell you may make or break his day! 4. I am falling more in love with the other Youth Coordinator, my boyfriend! 5. Discipline can be coordinated with love. 6. I am supported by friends.
I know there is much more that God taught me this summer but that will do for now! Thank you to Rahiem, George, Penelope, Isaiah, Dylan, Rick, Zakary, Semaj, Viantay, Hector, Jacob, Tony, Mersaydes, JR, and Kristy for making memories with me!

Weddings and such

It seems to be a time in life where love is in the air. With the many weddings comes provoked thoughts on what it means to commit the rest of my life to someone. I am blessed to have been a witness to so many beautiful couples come together. Some of the high lighted weddings were Emily/Matt and my brother Brandon. I am still getting use to the fact that I have a new sister in law. Pretty sweet when you grow up with three brothers and your wish of having a sister comes true! So cheers to all of you out there finding the one that deserves to love you and be loved back!

Why Blogging?

This is the beginning to an online journal to share with others! I am excited to document my thoughts and experiences with those that care...so here we go.