Just Some Thoughts

After completely shattering my iPhone, I conformed and finally bought an Otterbox. It's all kinds of teal. The two of us are getting along just great.

I am obsessed with my tattoo. Every time I look at it, it reminds me that I am SET FREE. I am set free, so I can live free! Galatians 5:1, always.

I'll be honest. There are a lot of big decisions and unbelievable vulnerabilities. This heart of mine feels wide open. The default is fear. But by the grace of God (purely by His grace), I can move forward in freedom and in light. And that feels oh so {Gospel} good.

Thanks to the wisdom of a friend, I've been praying the armor of God in Ephesians 6 over myself most mornings. It's been a game changer.

Sometimes I wish I had bad vision so I could justify wearing glasses. IF YOU WEAR GLASSES, YOU ARE SO COOL.

Anxiously anticipating Tuesday's release of Away from the World, the new Dave Matthews album. And September 25 for new Mumford & Sons. September, hurry up.

Still learning abundant life and that Jesus came to give it.

Advance kickoff tonight - so excited for this year! I've got such a special group. Those 6th graders are something else.

Miss those senior girls like crazy. So proud of them in their first few weeks of college and the way they are living, loving, being free, and showing Jesus. My heart is full.

The biggest thing I am learning right now is how to pray. Boldly, how to make my thoughts my prayers, how to constantly be in communion with the Father. How I cannot, literally cannot, move forward on my own. This life can only be done through the wisdom and grace of God.

Praying the confidence and mind of Christ.

Jesus did things differently. He viewed people differently. He loved differently. He served. Washed feet. He's compassion and grace.

I think clouds are the most amazing creation. I think they are fascinating.

Semester has started and boy, is Greek going to be hard. Absolutely am LOVING my Church History book, but who's surprised? This girl's got a undergraduate degree in History.

I have the most amazing, life giving, patient, encouraging corner. They lead me and point me and walk beside me to Jesus. Eternally grateful.

Grateful I have a new identity in Christ. breathe easy. breathe deep. Jesus died because He loves me. and you.

This quote.

"Aren't you, like me, hoping that some person, thing, or event will come along to give you that final feeling of inner well-being you desire? Don't you often hope: "May this book, idea, course, trip, job, country, or relationship fulfill my deepest desire." But as long as you are waiting for that mysterious moment you will go on running helter-skelter, always anxious and restless, always lustful and angry, never fully satisfied. You know that this this is the compulsiveness that keeps us going and busy, but at the same time makes us wonder whether we are getting anywhere in the long run. This is the way to spiritual exhaustion and burn-out. This is the way to spiritual death.

Well, you and I don't have to kill ourselves. We are the Beloved. We are intimately loved long before our parents, teachers, spouses, children, and friends loved or wounded us. That's the truth of our lives. That's the truth I want you to claim for yourself. That's the truth spoken by the voice that says, "You are my Beloved." - Henri Nouwen

ISN'T THAT THE BEST NEWS YOU HAVE EVER HEARD?