One Word 2014 - Embrace

This year, I vow to fight fear with faith, to love fiercely, live passionately, work diligently, and create with abandon.

I vow to embrace change with a full heart, knowing my Father is constant.

I vow to live a life worthy of the calling given to me in Christ, to seek help over my own independence, choose prayer over my pride, and live in honesty and authenticity with those around me.

I vow to choose boldness over insecurity for the righteous are as bold as a lion.

I vow to choose stillness over busyness of spirit, knowing He in control and the author of peace.

Above all, I vow to trust each step to the One who is good and faithful and holy and true no matter the circumstance.

I vow to fully EMBRACE 2014.

Erasing Your Excuses

In high school, my band director erased "can't" from my vocabulary. We were a championship band, first in the state for 4A high schools. He delighted in giving us the most challenging routines and music while watching us rise to the occasion and tolerated nothing less than our absolute best, knowing that our greatest potential often lay just below our valid but weak excuses.

I remember more than one occasion, trying and trying to get a note set correct and failing miserably (in front of people by the way). After the fifth time, I quit trying.

"I can't do it."

"I'm sorry, what?"

"I can't do it, Mr. C."

"I don't understand that word. Try again."

It's amazing what you come up with when that word isn't an option. I'm having trouble. This is hard. How in the world do I do this? I don't know how. But not one of those gives me the option to stop trying. And every excuse carries with it the opportunity to discover a new journey in the struggle.

He never let me quit in the classroom or on the marching field. Slow down, sure. Take each note one finger at a time, yep. But NEVER quit. Because he knew I could if I set my mind to it, no matter the challenge.

Success lay just below the "I can'ts" just waiting to come to fruition with the acknowledgment of "I can…somehow." And that lesson has shaped my writing journey. Rejections became detours. "Can'ts" became other challenges to conquer. I determined that I wanted it much more than I feared it.

I go much farther when I purge the excuses from my system and just try. I've never seen anyone who valiantly attempted ever epically fail. They just find a better option to pursue as they try again.

Talent and giftedness may come naturally to a point. But success as a result of those abilities NEVER comes without hard work and a willingness to push past rejection, defeat, and redirection. As soon as you purge the excuses, the talent blooms, and it's only a matter of time before others outside your circle begin to notice.

Where do you need to erase "can't" from your vocabulary?

The Problem with Singleness and Why the Label is Stupid

"Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you." 1 Samuel 12:24

I swore off dating books when I was 16. I won't touch one and and I definitely don't recommend them. Why? Because without fail, all of them push a particular opinion or method of doing things. So, I've been thinking a lot about culture and labels and what the Bible has to say about different seasons of life, and I gotta be honest, this label that we call "singleness" is pretty stupid.

When asked to describe myself during an ice breaker in a new group of people, I never, not once, think to introduce myself as single. Instead, I think in terms of roles I play - daughter, big sister, friend, granddaughter, niece, cousin, employee, volunteer. Being "single" is not a ROLE I play but a cultural LABEL assigned to me, and I refuse to utilize it.

I think we have treated singleness all wrong. Think about it: our grandparents often married right out of high school. Our parents, right out of college. And my generation? Well, we seem to marry later and later. You can argue good, bad, or indifferent, but I'm going to leave that debate alone. The point is, the church had to figure out where to put this growing group of not married people, so we slapped the "single" label on them and then started tip-toeing around them, unsure what to do or how to teach this new group.

I've gotta be honest...this singleness label, if we aren't careful, makes this life stage very much about "ME." And our singles groups in church become meat markets or support groups instead of discipleship opportunities.

Let's be real. The Bible doesn't really specify the difference in how you are to act if you are single as opposed to how you are to act if you are married (besides defining those roles). It does call us to pursue holiness. It doesn't give us a list of what to do/not do when we are dating. But it does tell us what purity looks like and the characteristics of a godly man or woman. Bottom line: the Bible calls believers to BE FAITHFUL. Period. No room for debate. It may look different depending on your season of life, but the call is the same.

See, singleness, when not approached correctly makes this season focused on waiting and wondering. But that is all wrong. "Single" and "married" are labels. Daughter, sister, wife, mom those are roles we are called to fill that focus on a relationship instead of an individual. When we approach those roles correctly, we are focused on impacting and loving others for the kingdom, not waiting on prince charming to ride through. Right now, I define myself as a young adult with an ability to reach my generation because I understand them. When I get married, my new label of "married" doesn't change that God has called me to be faithful. My new ROLE as a wife and eventually a mom will redefine what being faithful looks like.

Don't get me wrong. I am looking forward to getting married and raising a family. Cannot wait. But clearly the Lord and I have a different time table, and that is totally fine. God wired us to be relational, with him first and then with others. No matter my season of life, I want to build those relationships instead of focusing on the "lack" of a significant other. Just as a side note, faithfulness doesn't guarantee marriage. Instead, it's an overflow of a heart set on eternity that recognizes that Jesus is enough, even if you never walk the aisle or say "I do."

Here's a message to all the ladies out there. Get up off your butt. Quit waiting, and jump in the game. BE FAITHFUL. You have huge opportunities right now to go, do, and be that you may never have again. Make the most of them. Years ago, the guy would come calling on the girl in her sitting room and ask about the weather and her family. He'd wait a few months, approach her dad, and then marry her. But her life revolved around waiting for him to call. While I think we have lost a lot of the beauty of pursuit by the man as God intended, there is something to be said for girls not waiting around. Ladies, may he find you running hard in pursuit of Christ, not sitting around twiddling your thumbs and wondering when he is coming.

And guys, find a girl who is running after Jesus with all her heart, and don't be intimidated by that! If you aren't where she is at, quit moaning or feeling inferior. Man up, grow up, and catch up. If she is running that hard after Christ, then be a man who desires to run right next to her if not slightly in front of her. You are fully capable! Stop thinking you can't, and dive all into your relationship with Jesus. Let him make you the man you need to be, not just for her, but for His glory.

Singleness is a societal, cultural label that is just very stupid to me. I don't want this season to be about ME. Single or married, I want to be defined by my role in the relationships in my life and how well I am loving others and pointing them to Jesus. No matter my marital status, I want to be faithful. If you are in this season, dive in with me and let's run together.

I realize there are a lot of layers to this topic. Feel free to chime in. This is solely based on conversations I've had in the past few months. End of soap box.

A Season of Change

I tend to view my life in chapters, which probably isn't a real shocker since I'm a writer. But this year of my life doesn't seem to have a clear cut pattern with the exception of one word - change.

Without a doubt, I am a creature of habit, and while some change is exciting, change that rocks my world in every area really challenges me.

Since my last post, I've moved to an apartment in the city. With a new location has come changes in relationships, schedules, and habits. I've accepted the invitation to join another community group as my current group prepares to transition into a new season. My first book is receiving the final touches and book 2 is heavy on my mind.

All of these changes are great, but I'm so overwhelmed. This is a year of curve balls from the Lord, and I feel like I have to make a daily conscious decision to just roll with each pitch. Definitely a year of chipping off rough edges and reshaping this piece of clay.

It's so hard to release control of plans and hopes and desires. It's so hard to balance the good things and say "no" in favor of better things. It's hard to let go.

I feel very scattered and out of control, but isn't that where Jesus likes us best? He is peace in the chaos, shelter in the storm, constant in the change, faithful in providing, present in the loneliness, direction in the fog.

He is SOVEREIGN.

That's the trait I am coming to understand in a greater way this year. It isn't this emotional characteristic. It's powerful. He works all things for my good, continually aligning my heart with His so that His desires become Mine. It somehow makes the change make sense.

I'm half way through the year, and I have no idea what to expect. I'm learning to daily trust His hand and savor the moments He gives me. And I might just be thankful when my life attains some sense of normalcy or familiarity again. But regardless, I'm letting go and trusting He knows my heart as this chapter continues.

Crazy Lesson 6: My Best is my Version of Perfection

I'm learning lessons in a crazy season...

Lesson 6: Rough seasons and decisions are mountains to climb, not hills to die on.

I have often read the quote, "It's not a bad life, just a bad day." Well my life isn't a bad anything. Some days are more frustrating than others. Some days are incredibly sweet and fulfilling. It is a choice to find joy in both, and that is an ongoing challenge for me.

With this busy season at work, with responsibilities, friends and family, and my book deadline looming, it is so easy to lose sight of the blessings. It is also easy to strive so hard for perfection that the details become tiny hills I live or die by instead of mountains I climb over and move past.

I will often look at my work and be disappointed, not because it isn't done well, but because I feel like I didn't do enough. Man, is this a lie that I have to move past. I can't and never will be perfect. I also can't and never need to EXPECT perfection.

I wrote a lot of short stories in college, and to this day, when I go to reread them, I STILL find typos. I've probably read them 20 times. Epic fail. I've wondered why my professors didn't fail me, but they looked past the tiny mistakes to the heart of the story. That was where I poured my effort and my soul. That's what they chose to grade and reward, which I greatly appreciate. There is something to be said for the area where I need to improve, but there is much more to be said for doing my absolute best, being satisfied with that, and then continually striving to grow and improve.

Application: Perfection isn't an option, but my best can be my own version of perfection. And that's good enough for me...for now.

Crazy Lesson 4: Passion Fuels Motivation

Learning lessons in the middle of a crazy season...

Lesson 4: Passion fuels motivation.

My brain is usually going 90 miles to nothing. The past month, that is actually a slow estimate. Work deadlines, book deadlines, spending time with family and friends, church responsibilities, and who knows what else constantly keep me on the move.

So when I actually have some down time, I don't want to do ANYTHING. My version of a break is giving my mind something creative to enjoy, specifically something that my brain didn't work to create.

Last weekend, in the middle of work responsibilities, I actually stopped. I slept A LOT. I researched the Navy SEALs for my second book. I love watching stories about these silent heroes who so often don't want credit. They see their job as a duty and a calling.

I drank hot tea, emailed people to endorse my book, finished reading a book, and enjoyed some alone time and time with the Lord. Despite being on my second seven-day work week, I feel more energized and motivated.

Application: Create margin to take care of yourself so you can be more effective and love well in other areas of life.

I very rarely take time for myself because of my schedule. I haven't finished a book since before Christmas and have only sporadically written in my journal. Hello, I'm a writer. Those things help me grow. I have to create margin in my life to fill my tank, or I won't be able to pour into people or give my best at work or with my writing. I'll be surviving instead of thriving. 

I'm learning to make margin for my relationships and for myself. In a crazy life season, that is not a quick fix, but it's coming slowly, and I'm learning that the things that fuel my passion fuel me the rest of the week. Speaking of which, back to work...

Crazy Lesson Day 1: Hold Things Loosely

You may have heard it said that we need to "stop the glorification of busy." Well, at the moment, I have  no choice. So, I've decided to learn from it instead.

Lesson 1: Hold things loosely.

In the past week, I have wrecked my car, had to redo several work projects, said goodbye to a friend, had a melt down with my community group, and come down with a cold.

Basically, I kissed my transportation, work achievement, relationships, emotional sanity, and physical health goodbye.

I'm pretty sure I place high value in all those things. Unfortunately, I appreciate some of them only when they are gone. In this crazy season, I'm learning to hold these things loosely. Thank goodness for rental cars, second chances, cold medicine, and the fact that life goes on.

In Haiti, I remember thinking that people had maybe one change of clothes, didn't always know where their next meal would come from, and lived under a leaky roof yet worshipped God with their whole hearts. To hear them call God "Provider, Lord, Friend, Good" humbled me. Most of my issues are first world problems. Pathetic on my part.

My car is a blessing. My job is a gift. My friendships are eternal investments. And my health enables me to be my best. I'm not guaranteed any of them tomorrow.

Practical application: Seek the Lord. Develop a thankful heart.

He is good. He knows the plans He has for me. He heals bodies and relationships and provides for my needs. None of this past week's circumstances surprised Him. They just knocked me for a loop.

"Do not boast about tomorrow for you do not know what a day may bring." Proverbs 27:1

Who knows what other lessons I'll learn in this crazy season....

Fun. "Some Nights" Defines a Generation

In the mornings, I typically avoid chatter on the radio at all costs, so I channel surf. Many times, I land on one of the pop or alternative stations. The lyrics are catchy. The music is addicting. And the artists are the walking dead.

Yeah, you read that right.

Fun.'s "Some Nights" describes my generation perfectly, and the lyrics reverberate in my head. Driving through a small Texas town last weekend, a convertible full of 20-somethings raced by with this song blaring through the square. My heart sank.

Photo Credit: The Porch at Watermark

"What do I stand for? Most nights I don't know." What an empty lyric. What a heartfelt cry of a generation for something, anything of meaning. The perception is that good doesn't get you anywhere and life is full of heartbreak that can have a beautiful outcome, but it's rare and faint.

Oh, how I hurt for my generation, many who grew up in split homes with an absent father.

The generation more comfortable with living together before marriage than marrying because they have seen the heartache of ugly divorce.

The generation who still hasn't quite grown up because adults were absent in many of our lives as children.

The generation that has a desire to make a difference but often lacks the commitment.

The generation driven by passion which often drives us to painful addictions.

The generation in desperate need of purpose, worth, and meaning,

A generation who needs to know that their Heavenly Father loves them, and wants to take their passions and use them for His glory.

A generation of "accidental" parents who forget that a quick fix to a surprise pregnancy has future consequences.

My heart breaks, and this song perfectly defines us. Oh, how we need Jesus. Imagine if this passion, this desire, this incredible urge to make a difference and be something was met by a relationship with Jesus. Man, Gen Y could change the world.

It looks so overwhelming when I look at my generation as a whole. But when I focus on sharing the gospel and pouring into one at a time, I see hearts changed and passion whole-heartedly pursuing a God-sized calling. We are changing the world. We are shaking our generation. Maybe one day, it will have a lasting impact.

Some of the lyrics from Fun.'s "Some Nights"...

This is it, boys, this is war - what are we waiting for?


Why don't we break the rules already?


I was never one to believe the hype - save that for the black and white


I try twice as hard and I'm half as liked, 

but here they come again to jack my style



And that's alright; I found a martyr in my bed tonight


She stops my bones from wondering just who I am, 

who I am, who I am


Oh, who am I? Oh, who am I? mmm... mmm...



Well, Some nights, I wish that this all would end


Cause I could use some friends for a change


And some nights, I'm scared you'll forget me again

Some nights, I always win, I always win...



But I still wake up, I still see your ghost


Oh Lord, I'm still not sure what I stand for, oh


What do I stand for? What do I stand for?


Most nights, I don't know... (come on)



So this is it? 

I sold my soul for this?


Washed my hands of that for this?


I miss my mom and dad for this?

The Confessions of an Addicted People Pleaser

A month ago, I sank to an all new low.

In the busiest season of my life (huge project at work, book deadline, serving at The Porch, family, friends, attempts to sleep), I couldn't juggle all of it. I felt stuck in the middle of a tug of war, unable to make anyone happy. I was miserable. Maybe that's an understatement.

Jesus Calling

Turns out I am an addicted people-pleaser, even more so since facing rejection with school and jobs in the past couple of years. Crazy how seemingly good intentions can be a breeding ground for unrecognized addiction. But that's no excuse.

I want to make my friends happy by spending time with them and building memories. I want to make my family happy, realizing that they are the ones who are constant. I want to spend more time on the phone with my best friends who live across the country. I want spend more time talking to the girl who needs someone to walk with her through a struggle. I want to invest energy in work so that I can support my team and my boss. I want to write books that encourage and challenge people.

(I also want to sleep.)

Somewhere in the midst of doing all that stuff, all of which is great, I lose myself and the need to please becomes an idol. And I cease to be still and remember He is God(Psalm 46:10).

The last couple of weeks, I've sought to be intentional with changing my attitude when the need to please suffocates my joy. The key to failure is trying to please everyone, and it robs me of my effectiveness and energy to do what I am actually called to do: seek the face of Jesus, to love well, pursue holiness, and make God known. There is incredible freedom in remembering that the pressure is off and that it is not about me or what I have to DO, but about who He made me to BE and how I can best glorify Him. Whatever I set my hands to, I want to do with all my heart. I want to make an impact for the King, and pleasing others will become an added bonus (Col. 3:23)

When it becomes a heart issues, juggling all that is a joy and not a burden, an investment instead of taxing. And I'm getting there.

"But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts." (1 Thess. 2:4)

A Time to Retreat

It's been over a month since I posted. Over a month since I signed my contract. And two full months of craziness. This is the busiest season of my life, and it seems like the Lord decided to answer a whole lot of prayers all at once. 

Without the ability to take time off, my brain has existed in a constant state of scrambled eggs. I eat, sleep, and dream writing, editing, and my to-do list.

But this weekend, I tasted the sweet freedom of retreat. No writing, no editing. Just rest and fellowship. 

I am a member of a young adult group in Dallas called The Porch. Without fail every week I am in awe of the hearts of these young adults to change Dallas for Christ. 

I serve on one of several teams that keep the wheels turning every week. This past weekend, we decided to escape the traffic and city noise and distraction and just be still and be with one another. 

INCREDIBLE.

For the first time in a while, I realized and tasted what heaven will be like some day. We talked, we laughed, we worshipped...a lot, we prayed, we spent time in the Word. Most of it was impromptu which made it much sweeter. I heard stories that broke my heart and stories that made me want to cheer because of the goodness of God. I experienced the bonds of friendship grow stronger, iron sharpen iron. I learned personalities and passions and preferences that made me value all the more that we serve such a creative God.

Most of all, we dreamed about how to make the Porch better, how to be more effective, and how to change our city - one life at a time.

What does it look like for us to love well and lead well? What if changing Dallas starts with us? What if we are of one heart and mind, united in our purpose, and bold about the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Can 100 plus Porch volunteers change Dallas? 

Yes. It can start with us. I pray this weekend is just the beginning of beautiful things.

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all." Acts 4:32-33

Journey to Publication

It's official!!! After months of staying quiet about a potential contract, I have officially signed, dated, and mailed my 3 book contract with Charisma House.

Looking back on this journey, it is truly marked with the fingerprints of God's faithfulness.

- Rejected from grad school (spring 2009)
- Spent a year subbing and reapplying
- Lord closed the doors
- Moved back to Dallas in May 2010
- Met a writer and began attending a monthly writing group in June 2010
- Signed up for a local writing conference
- Last person admitted to the Fiction Writing Clinic
- Had to have 3 chapters for clinic, so I picked a story idea and wrote 3 chapters which later turned into this book!!
- Invited to join the Christian Writer's Guild Craftsman program
- Last person admitted to class
- Began in December 2010 with my mentor, DiAnn Mills

- Went to a conference in February 2011 and met with interested agents and editors, including one from Charisma House (who later instigated this deal)
- Went to a residency with Jerry B. Jenkins, DiAnn Mills, and Doc Hensley in April 2011
- Finished the manuscript by September  2011 and began A LOT of edits
- Finished the class in December - the exact education I would have received in grad school with the benefit of a Christian mentor and author
- Went back to February conference in 2012. Met my agent and the editor from the previous conference
-Signed with Sarah Joy Freese through WordServe Literary Agency in Spring 2012
- Submitted A LOT of manuscripts
- Began talking to Charisma House at the end of October 2012
- Received a letter of intent from Charisma House in November
- Signed the contract for a 3 book deal on January 14, 2013
- First manuscript due on February 1, 2013!!!

There was a time at the end of 2009 where I really questioned the Lord's goodness and sovereignty. I was doing good things and involved and growing. Why didn't He choose to bless me according to my plans? Good grief, if I knew the journey He would take me on over the past 3 years, I never would have doubted. His ways are not my ways, and His thoughts are not mine. They are light years better!

Looking back at this journey, I cannot claim credit for ANY of it. He orchestrated every step! Over the course of the last few years, my life verse has become Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted in the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Being still didn't mean passively standing by. I constantly prayed that the Lord would align my heart with His, and then I moved forward in faith. He doesn't promise to give us what we want. He does promise to use us if we are obedient and faithful, and again, that isn't always in a way that is comfortable. But He gets so much glory!!

I pray that you stick with me as the Lord continues to craft my story here. I can't wait to share sneak peaks and updates as we move toward publication in January 2014!!

Thankful Heart Day 19 - Night

I am a creature of the night no doubt about it. My best ideas strike in the quiet. This weekend, I hit holiday mode big time - stayed out late with friends, slept in late, watched movies late. LATE was the name of the game.

But last night I was particularly thankful for my phone, something I completely take for granted.

I'm thankful that it connects me with people I love. I'm thankful that it gives me an opportunity to be with them when I physically can't. I'm thankful that it is never too late for community to call. And I'm thankful it gives us the opportunity to pray together, no matter the time or circumstances.

I'm thankful for the night watches. I'm thankful that I was able to partner with a friend in prayer last night in the stillness. I'm thankful that the Lord hears and answers. And I'm thankful that He promises to do BIG things.

Today, I'm also really thankful for caffeine. Sometimes I overestimate how late I should stay up. Here's to a happy Monday!

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
    and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
⁶ when I remember you upon my bed,
    and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
⁷ for you have been my help,
    and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
⁸ My soul clings to you;
    your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 63:5-8

Thankful Heart Day 18 - A Church Home

Just over 2 years ago, I stumbled into Watermark Community Church, craving community, something familiar, and something stable. I had just moved home from college and needed a fresh start in my home city. I needed a place to spread my wings and grow.

It didn't take me long to feel at home in this place. I always leave challenged and encouraged. Many days, I leave frustrated because of the biblical accountability...which is how I know it's working.

Every week, without fail, I am either privileged to see lives changed or hear stories of life change from those around me.

I have seen broken people made into beautiful, confident warriors for Christ. And, I am so honored to call them friends and serve with them in ministry.

This place is home. These people are family. We disagree, but we are learning to love one another well. We challenge one another with the gospel message, and we push one another to share it. We pray for one another and pray God does BIG things in our city.

I know this isn't unique to my church. But, I can't help but think it is something special, simply because I get to see what God does using the people here every week. On this beautiful Sunday morning, I am thankful that I walked in those doors 2 years ago. And I'm thankful for how the Lord has changed my life in that time. He is so good!

Thankful Heart Day 9 - Quiet

I'm learning the value of QUIET again. What does it really mean to unplug in a world that constantly bombards us with messages "needing" our immediate response?

Quiet from the chaos in my own head, telling me what I need to do and when.

Quiet from the constant tug to people please.

Quiet from the hum of machines and the "ding" of my email.

Quiet from the voices on TV that paint a sadly accurate portrait of a crumbling American morality.

Quiet from my own fears and worries.

Quiet from the opinions of others.

When I quiet my mind and heart, I hear a different voice, One that whispers "this is the way you should go, now walk in it."

I don't need a microphone to hear it. This voice is familiar to me, but too often I turn the volume of life up so loud that I drown Him out. Sometimes intentionally. Sometimes unintentionally.

Today, I'm so thankful for the QUIET, still small voice that speaks to me in the whirlwind and the storm. 

Nothing erases Him. The voice is constant and strong, giving me the courage to stand strong and turn the volume up on everything else enough to make an impact but still hear His counsel.

"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength..." (Isaiah 30:15)

Linking up with Five Minute Friday today!

Thankful Heart Day 6 - I Voted!

I voted! I actually voted a couple weekends ago.

But today, I'm thankful for the freedom to exercise my rights.

Everyone seems to have an opinion "based on facts," but the facts seem to discount one another. Get a grip, people. After a while, your emotional response gets annoying.

My pastor said something very wise this past Sunday: The only election of eternal significance is the election into God's family. 

I love what Daniel 2 says about my God, "He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning."

Pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders. God is Sovereign over whoever wins, and no matter what comes, He will get glory. Pray. Vote for issues that align with the Bible. CHILL OUT. And let's see what God does.

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people." (Proverbs 14:34) Vote for what's right and pleasing to God!

Thankful Heart Day 2 - Quiet Moments

Fridays are the new Monday at my office. Since I work at a church, many ministers take Fridays off so that they are equipped and rested to serve on Sunday. So a few of us hold down the fort. With several events going on this weekend here, it is all hands on deck.

Today, I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Literally.

On day 2 of this thanksgiving month, I am so thankful for the quiet moments of rest and renewal in the midst of a hectic day. 

Every day, I start work with reading Jesus Calling and meditating on the recommended scripture. Since today started of with a BANG, this afternoon is better than nothing. I love the tender truths that I discover here.

The reminder today...

"A yielded heart does not whine or rebel when the going gets rough. It musters the courage to thank Me even during hard times. Yielding yourself to My will is ultimately an act of trust. In quietness and trust is your strength." (Jesus Calling, November 2, by Sarah Young)

In QUIETNESS and trust is my strength. I choose to abide in Him in the craziness and in the calm. What a beautiful truth! Happy Friday!

Finding My Voice

It's time for Five Minute Friday where a flash mob of writers join to write purely for the joy of the craft and then share their thoughts over at Lisa-Jo's. Today's word?

Voice

I used to be quiet. I never voiced an opinion unless I was surrounded by my closest family and friends. For those who know me now, that's hard to believe. For those who knew me then, I speak a little differently now.

There was a time when my friends fought over my voice. One discovered I have a sarcastic edge and did his best to nurse it to health. The other discovered subdued opinions and encouraged them to life.

In college, I overcompensated a bit, sometimes struggling to find that line between blunt and honest while seasoning every word with salt. Turns out that seasoning gave my voice a strength and flavor all its own.

I still don't have it mastered, but I know who made my mouth. I know who gave me a voice, and I know He told me to use it well, all for His glory. So I take delight in using this tool God gave me. I exercise it like any other muscle, making it submissive to the heart of my Father. I want Him to approve. I want to make Him proud.

Some days taste a little salty than others. Other days, it's a little bland. But, I'm constantly learning the balance. Turns out my voice is unique to me. My opinions, my heart, and my thoughts are treasured by the King.

He even gives me words to say when my voice goes silent. I pray my voice finds its source of strength in the One who spoke the world into being. Only then will I truly use this platform effectively.

I Got The Blues - Remembering Haiti

I must confess, my heart is in Haiti this week. Or perhaps it is just consumed with the experience, the people, and the way the Lord worked in my heart back in May.

I went to a country many would deem of no account and put hundreds of faces with a name that has come to mean as much to me as my own. I have a severe case of the Haiti blues.

If there is one thing that I have learned since returning from Haiti it is this: MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY. Be intentional. Live life to the fullest. But what does that look like in a culture that doesn't understand how to slow down?

Life is simple in Haiti.

• They sit on their front porch or sweep their one room house.
• Kids run to and fro. Babies sleep or sit on their mother's lap.
• Livestock runs loose.
• They make a trip or two to the well, gathering all the needed water for the day. Some sloshes out on the mile long walk back home while they teach their children the correct way to balance the paint bucket on their heads.
• Teens are no different there. They play pick up games of soccer, have cell phones, flirt with one another, and like to look nice.

But life is simple, uncluttered with the complexity I see in American culture. In Haiti, many families often wonder where their next meal will come from. In America, I wonder what my next big purchase will be.

In Haiti, they see the Lord as Provider. In America, sometimes I don't think He provides enough.

They celebrate a roof over their heads and a one bedroom house. I live in a full-sized house and dream of bigger.

They understand the value of conversation around the front porch. I pop in my headphones and ignore the world.

But a week in this country changed my heart...

- My world lit up with the smile of little Pierre,  suffering from a brain tumor but humming a sweet tune for our ears.
- My heart engaged with the teen as I asked him his vision for Haiti.
- My mind connected with Kinsley as he taught me French and Creole on our long walks.
- My tears fell when we prayed for a teen with cerebral palsy and saw the faith and dedication of his mother, despite the circumstances.
- My hope rose as a girl my age sang the most beautiful worship song in Creole as my team gathered around the porch of her home.

I'll never forget their faces, their stories. And this week, as I pray for 40 of my friends who are serving there faithfully, I selfishly wish I was with them. But, I know I have a job to do here. I know that simplicity can be found in my Dallas life. Time to get busy with the things that matter and discard what doesn't reach to eternity.

Time to develop the heart of a Haitian believer - the knowledge that He is provider, sovereign, and holy in my life!

Look Beyond The Surface

It's time for Five Minute Friday where a flash mob of writers join to write purely for the joy of it and then share our thoughts over at Lisa-Jo's. Today's word?

Look

I love to people watch. Don't worry, I'm not a creeper. But you learn a lot about the character of a person from their behavior.

For instance, the way they walk tells a story. Fast or slow? Eyes downcast or straight ahead? Posture erect or slumped? Are the engaged with another person in conversation, or do they have headphones in? There is more to people than their appearance. Look below the surface.

This week, I'm learning to take a deeper look not just with the people in my life, but with the Lord. It is in opening my eyes to the world around me that I better understand who He is, and therefore, who I am in Him.

It's fall (although Texas hasn't quite caught on yet), and the leaves are changing color. But no tree is colored like another on the block. No leaf has quite the same pattern. Each stone has a different hue and texture. Each person holds a different image, but all are created in His likeness.

Just like Michelangelo stared at a broken mess of marble and saw the David, so I am working to be aware of what's around me and see deeper. The world is intricate and unique, hand-crafted by a Master Artist. There's too much to see to spend my life in a blur of movement and activities.

I must make the commitment to slow down and look. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. What lies below the surface? What treasures am I missing in my daily life?

Dream Big - Network

Let's make a connection...We never get anywhere on our own. We may think we do, and in reality, it may appear that we conquered mountains in our life with sheer will and determination.

But time to burst your bubble...

You are shaped, influenced, and aided by those who cross your path. Truth be told, you actually get a lot farther up that mountain when others help you.

As a writer, I am dependent on the stories and lives of others to create well-rounded, personal characters. Through connections at my church this past week, I was able to connect with two men who are familiar with the Navy SEALs and ask them questions as I research my character.

Books are beneficial for knowledge, but they don't always capture the heart of a team, profession, or individual. My character is coming to life, and I love watching him develop. I'm thankful for people who are willing to use their passions and areas of influence not only for their own benefit but for the betterment of others and the glory of the One who gifted them in the first place.

In the context of pursuing your dreams, community is important. Utilize your NETWORK. The people in your life are there for a purpose. Help one another be better versions of your current selves. Don't be afraid to use them as a resource for people and places they can reach that you may not have access to.

My pride often gets in the way of asking for help in the pursuit of my dreams. I often feel obligated to make an unrealistic commitment in return, or I don't want to bother that other person. You never know what can happen when you ask. So, take a chance. Ultimately, I hinder or benefit my dreams based solely on my choices.

Make the connection. Build a network, and make sure to return the favor when someone comes calling. Develop an attitude of service toward one another, and you won't go wrong.