friendship & sisterhood

Praying over Janice before her wedding …one of the sweetest moments of our friendship.

Yesterday afternoon I had a facetime date with one of my dear friends, Ketura. Over the summer we’ve made it a priority to have regular facetime dates and I’m so thankful for that. Her accountability challenges me and her pure heart for God spurs me on. Later on in the afternoon, I was able to have a skype date with one of my best friends, Janice. Even though she was just here to visit a couple of weeks ago, we talked and laughed to catch up on the past two weeks. Like Ketura, she challenges and encourages me constantly. We can be totally silly together and at other times have such meaningful conversation. These friendships were orchestrated by Christ and have remained rooted in Him.

After talking with these two girls, it got me thinking about friendship. More specifically about godly friendships that are really more like a sisterhood. I can truly say that having a few godly friends has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. These girls have pushed me to know Christ more. They have encouraged me when I’m discouraged. They have listened to me share my heart. They have prayed with me and for me. They have talked with me about Jesus. They have worshipped God with me. They have kept me accountable. They have pointed me to Christ always. These deep friendships take effort and intention (especially since two of my best friends live in a different state), but they are so worth it. I want to encourage you to invest in the friendships in your life…

plan skype and/or facetime dates

send encouraging texts

write handwritten letters

have coffee dates

pray specifically for each other

pray with each other

talk about what you’re learning in the Word

always point back to Christ

I’m just so grateful to have Christ-centered friendships. They are absolutely worth the investment. So I encourage you to be intentional with the girls you’ve been blessed with.

And just because one wedding photo wasn’t enough…

Photo credit: Jarmon Photography

Words

I got this sweet sweet message in my inbox on Friday night from my mom. Last week was long and I was running low on energy. As I was walking back from an Improv show on campus with a few friends I read this…oh my goodness you should have seen my smile! My mom has always been my biggest cheerleader, but this encouragement came at the very best moment. I was thankful. I was spurred on. I was encouraged by her words.

I wanted to share this to remind you to never underestimate the power of your words! Be a source of encouragement today, friends.

Fullness

A little glimpse out my bedroom window…

Yesterday was a rainy and dreary Monday (windy and cold too). It was one of those days where you wish going to class and work were optional. I guess technically they are, but that wouldn’t make me the best student or employee…

Anyway, I had a break in the afternoon in between classes and work so I trudged back to my apartment. I changed out of my wet clothes and climbed into my warm bed with my Bible. I’m currently studying Colossians with She Reads Truth and yesterday’s devotion focused on Colossian 2:6-15. The entire section rocked me, but I was especially struck by verse 10…

“and you have been given FULLNESS in Christ, who is the head over EVERY power and authority.”

I stopped and immediately spoke that verse out loud. I have been given FULLNESS in Christ. Even more so, I haven’t been given fullness by just anybody, but by the the very Lord who is over every power and authority. He is stronger than anything that tries to enslave me. He is stronger than any of the lies that the enemy uses to wage war against my soul. He is stronger because He is the only One who can truly give fullness.

This song came on while I was reading and it made me get up and dance around my bedroom. Oh the truth of the lyrics are a reason to rejoice…I encourage you to listen. I hope that you are able to dance in the fullness that Christ gives…

Much much love to all of you!

Nothing Holding Me Back

Good morning, sweet friends! I had the most wonderful fall break. My break contained so much joy and I'll be be back to share lots of photos soon. In the mean time, I wanted to share this song with you as you get ready to start a new week. I urge you to listen to the lyrics...they hold such richness and truth.

"Thank You for Your death and resurrection
Thank You for the power of Your blood
I am overwhelmed by Your affection "

 

As another busy week starts, I'm holding onto the truth that nothing stands between me and Him. He desires an intimate relationship with me and that truly is overwhelming. I hope that I never become numb to the grandness of this. 

Carry Me.

When I recently pulled up iTunes, I noticed that “Carry Me” by Audrey Assad was my most played song in my library. I wasn’t shocked…it’s my “go to” song when I’m overwhelmed or discouraged. When I become disheartened I turn this on to help turn my gaze back to Abba. I can even pinpoint certain moments when this song echoed my prayers. I’ve danced to this song and I’ve also dropped to my knees while this song filled the room.

I know this is the time that many of us are settling into a new school year and that can be overwhelming. We have all sorts of information and expectations being thrown at us from every which way. Some have been out of school for a while now and life is proving to be more than you can handle. We can become fearful. Stressed. Discouraged. Overwhelmed. Disheartened. Disappointed. We wonder if we will ever reach our goal. We wonder if we’ll make it to the other side. Instead of letting these emotions cloud my vision I choose to focus on Abba.

He will carry me. He will carry you.

Truth.

Good morning, sweet girls! I wanted to share with you a little wisdom from Amy Carmichael that I’m resting in today. I have so many dreams and desires tumbling around in my heart that I can sometimes become discouraged when they don’t come to pass in the way I planned or in my timing. BUT, I’m learning to surrender them to the One who created and placed them in my heart in the first place. He knows me intimately. He knows the desires that are deeply embedded upon my heart. He also knows what’s best for me even when I don’t see it that way.

I want to encourage you today to trust in the Lord who knows you SO intimately. He knows your heart. One of my favorite songs is “Waiting Here For You.” There is a line where Christy Nockels sings, “You’re the Lord of all creation and still you know my heart…” I’m so overwhelmed when I soak in the grandness of that statement.

Rest in the truth that the Lord of ALL creation knows your heart. Joy comes from knowing that!