Jesus Wants the Rose

Pastor Matt did this at a Passion conference a while ago, its only about 4 minutes but I think it's powerful and just wanted to share it.

Jesus Wants the Rose

Click the link above to watch it.

Life Update

Life Update. It's been some time since I've sat down to write so here are some recent happenings with pictures (I'm going to get better about posting with pictures).

I've been home in Dallas the last 7 weeks for work. Can I just tell you how incredible it has been? I've almost heard an entire series at church. I can buy groceries for more than a week or 2 at a time. I've got to live out of my closet without planning my outfits so far in advance. I've got to sleep in on saturdays with no agenda, because I can take care of errands on week nights. But, I get back on the road this Sunday and am not looking forward to it. I've got way to comfortable at home and am truly enjoying being around friends and family.

I got a new car. It's a Toyota 4 Runner. I am loving it. Dad gave me a little baby car for graduation, it was a lot of fun to drive, but got kind of old. Having a bigger car before, then switching to a 2 seater wasn't easy. But this is my first big purchase, Consumer Reports had nothing but good things to say about this model, and it had an aux plug for my ipod (the only deal breaker)!

Little Bryce got diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. It has been a roller coaster learning how to count carbs, balance his food intake with insulin, and learning what to do if his blood sugars are too high or too low. Overwhelming is the first thing that comes to mind. A hassle to do injections 4 times a day.. But as easy as it is to focus on these things, Bryce has had such a good attitude about it. He's told us over and over that its not terminal, and he can manage it (what 11 year old says that?) He still gets to play soccer, still go to his new school, still be himself, it doesn't seem to bother him at all. It does make eating out more difficult, it takes some research before leaving the house to ensure there are things on the menu within his carb range, but eventually, it won't be a second thought. He has such a good outlook on it and I'm truly loving watching him take every bump, and challenge head on with such a positive attitude.

Katie and Blake bought a house some time ago and I hadn't made it to Fort Worth to see it. I got to make it over there and see it, its adorable and it's weird that they have a starter home. Prepared to have kids running around one day, and I'm still wondering where I want to be in a few years, where my passion is, and having those same questions I had as a college freshman. It's an adorable house and Katie's cute style is all over that house. Aside from the kitchen/breakfast nook, it has a balcony that looks over into the living room which is I think is my favorite feature.

One of my longest and best friends got married this last weekend. We had a full week of wedding activities and it was absolutely exhausting, but also so fun to be a part of. Molly and I have known each other all our life. We used to tell people we were born next to each other, but it wasn't until middle school after we told someone, that we realized that wasn't true, we are born a month a part haha.. Both of us grew up sisters as we both had families full of boys. It was fun getting to hangout with all her friends in one place together. There will be some pictures on facebook soon probably, but I didn't take any on my own camera all weekend.

Lastly, but certainly not least, I've been praying about going to Israel with the JH Ranch. I was asked to go before, but didn't feel like it was the right timing to leave. Essentially, it would be a 3 month mission trip to help build relationships with the people of Ariel, Israel as a few of us from the JH Ranch help intercede for the leaders, the nation, the people, teenagers who will eventually attend/work at the ranch, and help train the staff. Needless to say, its been heavy on my heart ever since I had to turn down the last trip and I would love your prayers about this next trip coming up.

2 of my best friends from the ranch :)

Be Someone

"Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be removed" - Samuel Johnson

Jesus Calling

I've been meaning to write this post since before the new year started or at least by January. But since I didn't, here it is. There is a book that has radically changed my quiet times and I've given it to several friends and just wanted to share it. It's called Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. If you need a little word to start your day off on the right foot or you're wanting to dig into the word a little deeper this is a great book because it has a little of both. It has some practical encouragement and it also has verses at the bottom that she notes incase you have time to dig into the word a little deeper. It is a daily devotional that is short and sweet. If you end up getting it, let me know how you like it!

"Come to me for rest and refreshment. The journey has been too much for you, and you are bone-weary. Do not be ashamed of your exhaustion. Instead, see it as an opportunity for Me to take charge of your life.

Remember that I can fit everything into a pattern for good, including the things you wish were different. Start with where you are at this point in time and space, accepting that this is where I intend you to be. You will get through today one step, one moment at a time. Your main responsibility is to remain attentive to Me, letting Me guide you through the many choices along your pathway.

This sounds like an easy assignment, but it is not. Your desire to live in My Presence goes against the grain of "the world, the flesh, and the devil." Much of your weariness results from your constant battle against these opponents. However, you are on the path of My choosing, so do not give up! Hope in Me, for you will again praise Me for the help of My Presence."

Romans 8:28; Psalm 42:11