There's a monster in my chest.

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.- Hebrews 10: 23-25 T here are few things as precious as friendship. Real, beautiful, joyful, messy, painful friendship.  I sound like an old lady but it seems like these days, it’s so easy to lose sight of the importance of real friendships. I've been reflecting on this a lot lately...mostly because I recently deactivated my Facebook. I wanted to reevaluate the things I make time for. We are all connected through social media but we miss out on real-life connection. Even though I believe these tools of technology are useful in a lot of ways…like the fact I get to see what’s happening with my cousin in Germany, it doesn't compare to seein

I'm behind this glass you built Pleading for your eyes to search & find me again Thrill my thoughts, don't pass me in yours I'm right hear, I'll always be We have not lost the war we fought We are not lost at sea My love, find me So close we could almost touch Promise me you won't give up! Inside, my breath clouds the pane and my hands compose a song  A chorus I sing for only you Search & find me again You know where we belong now You know what to do

1921-2014 I found a treasure chest hidden in your room I just wanted a piece of you to somehow carry me through I was sure to find your rubies gently put away or your polished trophies from the so called "golden days" Instead when it was opened, much to my disbelief Were not the gems and jewels of yesteryear But gifts to you...from me Every little drawing and scratch of color across a page Became a masterpiece, a chef-d'oeuvre, more valuable with age The macaroni fragments, delicate and worn These were things to throw away but to you, they were your pearls The birthday cards and pictures and everything in between Do nothing but loudly exclaim this great love you had for me And while I'm here where you once sang the desire for home is now an ache All I want is to be with you...All I want is to see your face But I will live with my memories and smile in this remembrance God's love was written in your life and aloud, you read eve

I went to a conference earlier this month that impacted me tremendously.  It was a conference directed to people involved in leadership / ministry. My husband and I, along with a group of leaders from our church, attended this event in Dallas, TX.   We were able to hear a crazy amount of wisdom from speakers such as Eric Mason, J.D. Greear, Larry Osborne, Tullian Tchividjian and so on. I wanted to share some of the key quotes that attacked my heart. Enjoy! It’s in the midst of our greatest mess that God shows up. Guess what? Our mess doesn’t surprise Him. The messiest people are the bessiest people for God to use. God always picks the team He can get the most glory out of. In our eyes, God looks like he picks the worst. God loves to pick out the people who need freedom because they never forget WHO set them free! -   Eric Mason It’s amazing how many people will change when you stop trying to fix them. When we try to change others, that’s really a subtle attemp

Pretty in Plaid by silverspeak7 featuring word wall art

It really does. So many things are changing for the better.  First of all, I'm totally digging my new layout.  I wanted a new look to go with my fresh start. :) Changes happening... 1. My relationship with God is growing.  He's always been working on me but I've been very complacent for a very long time.  I'll talk more about that later. But for now, let me just say, I've been loving this hunger and reawakened desire to KNOW Him. When I read the Bible, it's not a chore...it's a desire to want to know my Savior. 2. Health. I've got a kick-arse gym buddy who is super encouraging and motivating. I've been getting into a routine.  Baby steps.  I can't expect to undo in a few days what took years to turn into a mess.  This also goes hand in hand with eating better. I've had a few hiccups but I'm staying motivated to stay on track.  This is a big deal for me because I get discouraged so easily. #icandothis 3. Leadership.  God