giving thanks. day 4. november 4.

photo by: me | designed for life 2010

Day 4 | my church

I know that there are many great churches. But, I'm so thankful to be a part of James River Assembly... a church that is active, growing, changing, where the truth is preached, and lost people are being brought to Jesus. People are being raised up to share Jesus around the world... and there is active involvement in international missions projects and opportunities. I'm currently involved in the worship department and youth department. God is doing great things. I'm so thankful to be a part of it. It's exciting to live for Jesus. :)

who's dream are you dreaming?

I recently read a book, Completely His by Shannon Ethridge, that really challenged my perspective. We live in a culture that constantly challenges us to "dream big", "reach for the stars", "follow your dreams"... while all of this can be good, it can also cause us to lose sight of something really important. As Christians in this world, our life mission is actually to fulfill God's dream. What is His dream? That people would believe in Him and be saved. This is where our individual dreams come into play... the way that we actually fulfill God's dream will look different for each of us. These are the dreams that He places in our hearts. Over the past couple of weeks, I have really been challenging myself to think each day... "how can I make God's dream come true today?" Now that's a new thought.

God has put some really incredible opportunities right in front of me, and I'm just beginning to see the weight and influence of them. On a weekly basis, I interact with non-Christians through my photography business... I have a couple hours with them to just walk around and talk about life. God has recently challenged me to be very intentional with these conversations. Also, God has given me a window of opportunity to really focus on investing in the lives of high school students. I have made the decision to be full on in this, and it has affected every aspect of my life. I want to give more and keep on giving, whether it's my time, energy, finances... My high school life group had a pancake breakfast yesterday at Applebee's... praise the Lord that we were able to raise $1,000 for Speed The Light for missionaries. When you take people on such a journey with you, it definitely causes you to raise the bar in your own life. I'm not looking back. I'm running ahead. This is worth living for.

p.s. Dad's most recent insight to me... "as you enter your mid-20's, you may actually find yourself marrying a man rather than a boy." I would be okay with that. :)

beyond blessed.

I am so incredibly blessed.  It seems like yesterday and today I have been reminded of it more than usual.  Yesterday I was eating dinner before church... all the fresh farmer's market veggies I could have asked for.  There are starving and malnourished people all around the world... and I am eating food that tastes good and is good for me.  I savored each bite.  Last night after church, I was standing in the kitchen thinking... thinking how incredibly blessed I am to have been born into a Christian family that loves God and has taught me how to love Him.  I basically had the gospel handed to me on a platter... I didn't have to search my whole life to find Him.  So blessed.  I went to our neighborhood pool for a while this morning and noticed how beautiful and clean it was... and how nice my beach towel is... I have been so blessed.  As I was telling all of this to my dear sister, she was quick to remind me... yes, you are blessed... and to whom much is given, much is required.  That is a big responsibility God has entrusted to me.  I have had more of a burden than before to really jump on board with the Overflow Experience we are doing with the youth at my church... to raise money for missionaries through Speed the Light.  I don't need a single thing or to accumulate possessions for myself... this life is not my own... I'm living for eternity.  Take a look at the life you are living... there may be some blessings you have overlooked.  Thank you Jesus for being so incredibly good.