Against All Odds

On May 3rd, against all odds, my Mom is going to walk the final steps of the hardest and proudest accomplishment of her life [aside from her children, of course!].

Some may say this is a normal feat for our current society, with online options and such, but in reality, it's extraordinary. 

And from the bottom of my proud [bursting at the seams for her] heart, I want you to know how it happened. And maybe, just maybe, you'll see our God's remarkable grace. 

Although her journey to earn a degree began three and a half years ago, this dream has been in her heart much, much longer. A dream that she didn't think was possible. At first, her biggest obstacle was herself. She didn't feel smart enough. And voices from her educational past haunted her. [Yes, words do hurt. And yes, words can stay with you forever. But, thankfully, Jesus is bigger than those words!] After much encouragement and support from us and people at her work, she took the plunge. And so her journey began at Volunteer State Community College. 

Yet, another journey began to take place. After helping me overcome a deep, dark depression during my first few years of college , helping my sister in her hardest years of nursing school, and helping my brother in his last few years of high school, her marriage to my father almost ended. During this time, my dad experienced the darkest days of his life. He was fighting demons that were tearing him down in every area possible. And it almost destroyed their marriage, our family, and himself. 

During 4 months of fearing their divorce and questioning if my dad would be healed, she also feared where the next meal would come from, and the loss of our family home of 23 years. But God provided. We were taken care of. People were beyond generous- they were sacrificial. And those fears turned into enormous faith. And around midnight one faithful night, I received the news that my dad returned, like the prodigal son- they were going to seek reconciliation. The healing of their marriage began. From that moment the journey didn't get easier. But healing meant things weren't ending- It meant grace.

[I also need to add, during that time, we got a family dog, Maggie! Which, she is also a picture of His grace. She provided endless amounts of joy and therapy to our hurting hearts!]

After searching for the right program to finish her degree, she felt called to Trevecca Nazarene's adult education program for a Manager of Human Relations degree. And thus began her final stretch of the journey. She drove or rode every week on Tuesday nights with her friend, Michelle, [who also enrolled the same program], to Nashville for class. They tirelessly labored over hours and hours of homework and tests while both working full-time jobs, and taking care of their families. God and his sweet mercies provided understanding professors and a supportive, sweet friendship. 

And life didn't settle there. I graduated college in May, then Kyle and I got engaged in September 2011, and married in March. My brother graduated high school that May. Then Kyle and I moved away to Chattanooga. And fall came, and my brother transitioned into college. Her heart endured so many life-changes, but there was even more to face. Finances were still a burden and still a source of stress. But she still didn't quit. God still provided. But in 2012, they did lose their home. And as hard as it was, to leave the place we were raised and where they built their life, a huge burden was lifted. And more refining began. So, Thanksgiving weekend of 2012, we moved their life and our childhood into a rental home. Then, my sister got engaged, graduated nursing school in May, she and my brother-in-law, Jason, got married in September of 2013, and my brother had ACL surgery in December! [So that makes THREE graduations, TWO weddings, and a surgery during it all!] And I'm sure I'm forgetting something! 

Her final hurdle to jump came just a month ago. She needed 16 credits to graduate. They were all needed by the middle of March, but online or in-class options were too expensive, and time was running out. [And her friend, Michelle, needed double [and more] credits.] But again, by God's grace and His sweet mercies, He provided a way for them both to complete those credits with online and on-campus tests. 

You see, odds were against her [and our family]- she should have quit. She should have divorced. But she didn't. She didn't quit her marriage, full-time job, school, or us. She persevered. And the Lord redeemed it all- by His will and sovereignty. Yes, she still had long, lonely, sleepless nights of homework, but she didn't quit. It was still messy, frustrating, angering, humbling, and hard to stomach sometimes, but she still found strength- even strength to encourage me, my brother, sister, and dad. Yes, we encouraged and supported her in any way we could, but ultimately, that strength came from relying on Him. He gave endless amounts of it and He was the only way she pushed through. 

Yes, Odds were against her, but HE was for her.

And she did it! HE did it. 

[I can't even explain how proud we all are of you, Mom. You are such an inspiration and picture of the gospel. I know I can speak for everyone when I say, the Lord has used your story to show His story. And He will continue to refine you and others with every part of it. Thank you for persevering and being obedient. Thank you for not giving up. 

Soak up every moment this week!] 

And for anyone that reads these words, I hope you've seen more than just a story of perseverance- but a story of grace, mercy, and love! It's a story of Him.

And all the glory is to Him. 

Isaiah 40:27-31

English Standard Version (ESV)

27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
    and speak, O Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord,
    and my right is disregarded by my God”?
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
    his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
    and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
    and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    they shall walk and not faint.

Photo by Gretchen Lynn Robards.

Photo by Abby Weeden Photography. 

Photo by Abby Weeden Photography. 

Photo credit to Michelle Poteet. 

Photo credit and copyright to Trevecca Nazarene University. 

It all comes back to Him.

Sometimes our favorite, most cherished, life-giving things become weighty- the biggest obstacles in our path.

Last month, blogging did just that.

It made life heavy.

My good become my bad.
My joy became my frustration.
My peace became my chaos.

I couldn't do anything, but stop. I had to step away. Reevaluate my heart. And uncover what was underneath.

My heart was incredibly weighty with comparison & over-thinking. I couldn't stop comparing my words to others- "my creativity just wasn't enough, my pictures weren't top quality, my story wasn't as glorious, challenging, or as life-changing as others- it didn't measure up." [I didn't measure up.] 

And even though most of those thoughts were lies, they still had a sinful-source- I couldn't stop seeking personal gain. I couldn't stop seeking perfection. I couldn't stop. 

And I couldn't see it- I was in deep. 

But when I finally stepped away, the unclear, cleared- the fog lifted. And I did more than see, I dug deep, down into the dirt of my heart. 

The dirt that keeps seeing my words as [my words], when actually, they are His. 

And not only did I find my selfishness, I found His answer- His grace. Him. 

I don't say this to draw sympathy, attention, or feedback- I say this to be honest. I say this to confess. I say this to show I'm freed [in Christ] from my chained heart, soul, & mind that was trying too hard to make this about me. 

So, here's to a fresh perspective- here's to a refreshed heart. 

A heart that doesn't have to be perfect. 
A heart that He makes new. 
A heart that measures up, because of Him.

Because it all comes back to Him. 

Romans 11:33-36

Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It’s way over our heads. We’ll never figure it out. Is there anyone around who can explain God? Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do? Anyone who has done him such a huge favor that God has to ask his advice? Everything comes from him; Everything happens through him; Everything ends up in him. Always glory! Always praise! Yes. Yes. Yes.

Galatians 2:17-21

English Standard Version (ESV)

17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor.19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness[a] were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

Rays of Reminders

Today was the first day we opened all the blinds and had an entire afternoon of cleaning, resting, and enjoying our new, quaint place.

{After the polar vortex, we welcomed this little heat wave!}

It was the first time I noticed how beautifully the sun shines through our 1950's windows.

Each time I passed through the living room, I couldn't help but notice the warmth beaming in.

And the nakedness of the windows revealed more than just the bright, warm rays, it revealed a much needed peace- a peace that radiated over me as I conquered my to-do list- a peace that reminded me that newness isn't a season away.

No, it's newness that doesn't just come in the Spring- it comes every day.

Every morning.
Every hour.
Every second.

So, in this new year, in this time of new beginnings and longing for new opportunities, remember that His newness & His mercies are there. They don't end with the close of a year. They don't wait for a new season. 

They are there. They are unending.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.  
Lamentations 3:22-23

He is Hope

So often, I forget that hope isn't as far away as it sometimes seems. That even in the midst of my hardest days, my ugly sinfulness, my betrayal- He is right there. And hope is at my reach. 

He is at my reach. 

And by grace, his love is right, there.

"Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her.  And there I will give her her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. (Hosea 14-15)

"And I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know The Lord." (Hosea 19-20)

I am Gomer everyday in so many ways. But He still brings me into His presence, speaks out of the overflow of His love, & gives me hope- daily!

He betroths me to Him in righteousness, justice, steadfast love, mercy, & faithfulness- not because I deserve it, but because He is who He says He is! 

He is all those things. 

And He lovingly takes away my sin & shame. For I shall know Him & I am His forever. 

He is Hope.

When You Fear Freedom

The heart & mind are easily held captive. 

By thoughts. 

By actions.

By expectations. 

To this, I am no stranger. 

My thoughts aren't always pure. I often allow my desire for control to take over. 

My actions aren't always kind. I can be immature with the best of them. 

My expectations can be based on what others might see.  Rules & laws can tend to be a checklist for my self-righteousness. 

And even though, I can recognize these sins, and even though,  I'm being restored, I still have moments of captivity. I still keep certain sins hidden deeply inside- tucked safely away so nobody can see. 

I fear what my ugliness will reveal. 

I fear of ruining my self-built reputation. 

I fear disappointment. 

I fear freedom.  

And even though I know the gospel is freedom, I easily forget. I easily revert to selfishness. 

I need reminding that I have freedom in Christ- freedom to be honest.

To be real- even when it's messy.

To be loving- even when it's hard. 

To be free- even when I'm afraid. 

I need reminding that hiding my flaws affects others & not just me.

I need the real. 

We all do. 

I often wonder this- {If we continue to create a culture of perfection, will we continue to create a culture of fake Christians?} - Christians that say what their "supposed" to say and put on "Sunday-Faces," because that's just what's expected, instead of freely living in His grace, mercy, & love. 

What's the answer? 

I don't pretend to fully know, I don't pretend everyone's heart is convicted the same, but for me, it's this: 

We need to continually create a community of truth- a community that accepts honesty & extends grace. 

We need to continually create a culture that lives like His love covered it all- a culture that loves no matter what. 

Friends, His love is a love that can handle our honesty & His grace is a grace that is sufficient.  

2 Corinthians 12:9-11

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Do you fear true freedom? 

Do you fear being honest?

Do you fear disappointment?

Whatever your fears, whatever your struggles, {you can find freedom in the gospel}.

From a Savior bigger than your fears.

A Savior who perfected love & loves you. 

A Savior that lovingly continues to restore you, even through your mess. 

A Savior that sets the captive free. 

1 John 4:18

" There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love."

Restoration & Worship

I'm still processing some intense realizations from Sojourn's service yesterday. I'm still reflecting. I'm still being renewed.  

I keep thinking about patterns in my daily life- when I mess up, when I seek forgiveness, and when I worship. 

I've found, more often than not, I seek to make myself feel better about what I've done. 

It's consuming- apologizing relentlessly and doing anything to show the person(s) that there's remorse and the desire to make things right. 

Or sometimes, I just suppress wrongdoings. 

It's easy to justify. It's easy to ignore things that can be internalized. 

Ultimately, it's easy to neglect the not so fun part- the possibly hard & ugly stuff, and skip straight to the fun- the celebration, the worship. 

The reality- restoration and worship isn't something we just receive and do- It's something we live out.

This restoration...this worship- it's life. And it's much deeper than just asking for forgiveness and praising what God has done for us. It's seeking renewal, changing our hearts, and celebrating our acceptance.

Psalm 51 is a Psalm that David wrote with great intensity, remorse for his sins of adultery and murder, and then celebrated the abundance of grace, mercy, & deliverance that God gives. It's a Psalm that, in the past, I would just read a few verses out of- a Psalm that reading the entirety of it, just rocked my worship world (funny how that works).

So often I just go through the motions and celebrate who God is, without allowing who He is, and what He did to change me. I tend to skip to celebration without recognizing my sinfulness, embracing his mercies, & remembering the crazy, amazing truth that He canceled my debt. 

We need renewal...

Not in order to worship, but because that's why we worship. 

Because it's a renewal that doesn't come from our own ideas of atonement, but His atonement- His deliverance!

It's so easy to try- to create our own system of canceling our debts, but the reality is, those things will never cover our transgressions- they will never renew our hearts. They will only keep us in a cycle of emotional highs and major let downs.

But relinquishing our control will reveal true restoration & worship. It will reveal a love that won't abandon us. A love that contains grace & mercy that, in the words of our pastor, is weightier than the weight of our sins!

So we can live life "in our acceptance, instead of for our acceptance." - Rusty Mckie

{That is something to celebrate!}

So, with all of our abilities, and God-given desires, we can seek renewal & celebrate the changes that he does in us.

It's a restoration to delight in. A restoration to worship. 

Psalm 51: 6-15

Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, 

and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

wash me and I shall be whiter than snow, 

let the bones you have broken rejoice.

Hide your face from my sins, 

and blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, 

and renew a right spirit from me. 

Cast me not away from your presence, 

and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,

and sinners will return to you. 

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,

O God of my salvation,

and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. 

You can read all of Psalm 51 here! 

It's Here!

Welcome to the new blog! I am beyond excited for the new additions. 

Honestly, the word excited just doesn't even come close to the joy I'm feeling! 

And I might need someone to pinch me. 

My dreams and desires are slowly coming true- to inspire, share people's stories, and spread the Truth, love, & beauty that exists all around us. 

The love that can exist in us. 

Because we all have a story.

And we all can find ways to inspire and love others, because of our stories. 

Because of His love & His story. 

I am truly overjoyed to share this journey with you- and I hope you'll join me.

{Just a side note- my links will have the specific posts under them soon! I haven't had the chance to label them yet!}

And if you're curious, my cute blog was designed by Megan from Cutest Blog on the Block! I adore it. 

Changes

I love the little reminders we get from simple things in life.

This tree is radiating truth- the promise of new life, new beginnings, new seasons, protection, and beauty! 

I'm so excited about this new season. 

I'm taking a leap of faith and being open to the outcome- with months of prayer, dreaming, and discerning, there's going to be new additions to my blog! 

Be on the look out! 

Love Right Where You Are

So today, I woke up with my community burning on my heart.

I woke up feeling an intensity that I've never had before.

Seeing faces of mommies that have lost their precious babies. And seeing humble people and leaders that serve relentlessly to love them.

Seeing faces of sweet children in Africa that are hungry for knowledge, unconditional love, and full bellies. And seeing the compassionate couple that made their dream of a school meeting those needs come alive.

The neat thing- I don't have to travel to Texas or to Africa to impact and love on these people (although, I pray for that opportunity!).

I can do it right here.

I've bought a t-shirt supporting One Heart Africa and pray diligently for every facet of their organization.

Most recently, I committed to 8 weeks of praying for the leaders and mommies of Hope Mommies.

These are people in our church community! They are our "neighbors".

I'm not giving myself a "gold star" here. I'm sharing this to say, we can love right here, right now.

In ways that may seem small, but can do big things.

There's power in prayer. There's power in support. There's power in community.

Your way of support may look different than mine.

And it doesn't always have to stay the same- I pray mine won't stay stagnate, and will grow as my heart and these organizations grow.

That's the beauty of love.
That's the beauty of ministry.
That's the beauty of different seasons in life.

Even though we're involved with a semi-young church plant, it's mind-blowing to see how many gifts, talents, and passions that already exist.

And in that family, there are many ways that our community and world are impacted!

And not just in the typical ways labeled as "missions."

We not only love each other inside our church community, but we also love outside of it. Churched and Unchurched.

That's encouraging.

Encouraging in the sense that we all have been given certain gifts and passions. And we can creatively use those gifts to love on people around us and across the world.

Not matter what the outcome! Love is still present.

That's the Gospel.

As Christ-followers, we shouldn't have the pressure of being involved in everything. We shouldn't have guilt for not always supporting perfectly. We shouldn't have shame for not being personally present in it all.

Why?

Because Christ gives us freedom and grace.

He gives us freedom to love and grace when we fail- to minister in ways that we can most effectively show people His love.

We're all different.

Some like-minded- some not.

But, we're all His body.

Here to love, serve, and grow. 

Here to love right where you are. 

Recharge.

So this little vacay was much needed. We needed to just get away from things.

We needed conversation, laughter, no alarms, and meals shared with close friends.

We needed to just rest.

It's funny how sometimes, you don't realize how much you need something until you do it...

Or how much just stepping away, breathing, and not having to think provides a rejuvenation that you can't explain.

You get recharged.
You get sore stomachs and cheeks from laughing so hard.
You get full- not just from food.
You get warmth from the sun, and warmth in your heart.
You learn people's stories- you realize your own.
You get reminded of what you have.
You get joy.

So often, I forget that I can do that here. I forget that resting doesn't always have to be labeled, planned, and executed as a "vacation". (although, those times are definitely needed!)

You can be recharged by resting in him.

By stepping away and breathing.
By simple coffee dates.
By sharing meals.
By doing the everyday-mundane things.
By enjoying a good book.
By exploring your community.
By just being with your family.

All these things can be restful- by resting in him!

Look for him, today. He's there.

Rest in his truths. Recharge. 

Awake My Soul

As I sit here, in my 3rd floor apartment living room, looking out across the tree tops at the drizzling rain, I'm ignoring my sleepiness and getting hard-core at 9:00.

I'm trying really hard to listen.

I'm trying really hard to be strong.

I'm trying really hard to be "in-tune" with Him.

The funny thing is- I think I'm trying too hard.

I'm in a season in life where I feel helpless. I feel like I'm not doing enough. I feel like I'm misplaced. Most everything is going against what I ever thought or dreamed I'd be doing (minus being married...we all know that was number one on the list!).

My hopes and dreams feel as far away as the stars. But yet, I keep forgetting who spoke the stars into existence, who made my dreams, and most of all who made me.

In all this, I'm making myself the most important thing in my life. And that's how I'm trying too hard.

Christ doesn't expect our version of being "successful," our version of always  listening well, always being strong, always be "in-tune" to Him. Our ways aren't always his ways.

He knows we'll fail. Yet his love for us abounds. 

He doesn't expect a checklist. He doesn't expect legalism. He doesn't expect perfection.

But, so often, we do.

All he wants is us. 

Not just in the morning- during our devo, not just at meals- when we pray, not just at night- when our head hits the pillow...

He wants all of us. 

He wants every little moment- every smile, every word spoken, every hug given.

He wants every big moment- every angry outburst, every tear cried, every ugly sin.

He wants it all. 

He wants us.

My hopes and dreams are big. But I'm not making a checklist. I'm writing them down, but I'm allowing for interruption.

An interruption that, in Christ, I can be ready for.

My prayer is this: Awake my soul. 

Awake my soul for you- so I'll reach for you instead of the stars. 

You are Chosen

So, last weekend, my little sister got married! It was the most perfect weekend anyone could have ever asked for. I have never seen her so in charge!

She had it all together and wasn't even nervous.

I have never been more proud of her. I have never been more honored to be her sister.

Maybe that's why I was an unbelievable basket-case!

I literally began crying at the smallest things (on Wednesday...WEDNESDAY- it wasn't even the wedding day!)- like when I packed to leave, when I drove by the little local shop in Chattanooga where we bought our dresses, while she got her nails done, while standing in the church parking lot when her amazing best friend, Hailey, asked me how I was holding up, and if you were at the wedding, I'm sure you noticed I cried walking down the aisle and maybe the entire ceremony. Yeesh.

I can't explain why.

I didn't expect to be so emotional.

I also didn't expect God to speak to me, right before I spoke at their rehearsal dinner.

I was nervously going through what I was going to say in my head (I'm not one for public speaking!), and it hit me...

We did not choose to be sisters, but we choose to be best friends.

God, sovereign in all his grace and mercy, placed us together...as sweet (not so sweet, on my end, when we were itty bitty!) sisters.

But we choose to daily love each other- to have a friendship that not all siblings have.

{I can proudly say that about our brother and parents, too.}

As I sat there, around the beautifully decorated, round, bridal party, table (eating a piece of insanely good cheesecake) my mind wondered from conversations and turned into a home video.

I couldn't help but think back to all the little "sister moments" I cherish- all the dressing up, "clogging" (stomping in our church shoes...) shows in the kitchen, mornings playing barbies, summers eating watermelon on the back porch, running through the sheets that were hanging up to dry, hair-pulling and fingernail scratching fights, and welcoming our little brother into our crazy, fun-loving, sibling club.

Needless to say, it was a short, tear-filled speech.

I still can't believe we are both married...and our brother is a Sophomore in college!

Be still my heart. 

To be honest, I'm still emotional and still in denial.

How does time go by this fast?

Why didn't life come with a slow-down button?

What about a rewind button?

So I could go back and not wish away those little moments...so I could change those times I didn't appreciate things.

-I can already tell, I'm going to be that sappy parent when we have kids!

So much in life is like this. We don't always choose to be where we are, or choose to be placed with certain people, but regardless, we find ourselves there- we find ourselves being thankful...or not realizing what's in front our faces...or begging for whatever it is to be gone.

No matter what season, there are choices we make.

I didn't choose to be the daughter of Lisa and Tim. I didn't choose to be the sister of Maicie and James.

{He did. And I'm forever grateful- I wouldn't have it any other way.}

But I choose to love them.

Jason and Maicie chose each other. They choose to love each other daily.

Kyle and I chose each other. We choose to love each other daily.

And no matter how badly I want it, there is not a slow-down button.

There is not a rewind button.

You may want those buttons, or even a fast forward button.

Whatever your life looks like, remember this- you are chosen, by the one who chose it all.

You are his adopted child. You are his bride. He pursues you.

In all your imperfections.

You may not understand why, or what for...

But thankfully, it's not about understanding- it's about how you choose to respond, who you choose to be, and who (and how) you choose to love.

It's about being Jesus.

It's about choosing to be like him:

When you feel loved and accepted- Love. Be Jesus.

When you aren't loved back- Love anyway. Be Jesus.

When you don't feel like giving grace and mercy- Give it. Be Jesus.

When you feel like being selfish. Be selfless. Be Jesus.

I am so thankful for these choices- whether in the lily fields or in the quick sand.

And for his grace- because I will mess it up.

And for my family- blood related and not...

They have loved me well and have loved me when I am unlovable.

That is life-giving...that is the Gospel.

Loving the imperfect, imperfectly.

We may not see the purpose or value in it at first, but in the right time, and when we allow him to, he will reveal the beauty and treasures in those moments and relationships.

I want to wake up every day, breathe in the goodness of him, be his bride (not just Kyle's), and choose to love and take in the life that he has placed around me.

Wherever you are, breathe in his goodness. Be his bride. Choose to love this crazy, unexplainable (at times), beautiful life. Take it in. Cherish it all.

You are chosen.

Confessions of a Christian Blogger

I started this blog last year, out of a tiny desire that quickly turned into a hobby. It's now developed into something I love so deeply- it’s a passion.

I know it’s something small. I’m small in this big picture of life. I know it’s not well-known, but the message I desire to send is known- as far as the east is from the west. I know everyone may not care, but He does.

That’s enough for me, because he is enough. 

And no matter who this blog reaches, no matter if 1 person or 50 people read it- it has a purpose. Everything can have a purpose. I rest in that.

However, I do have a restlessness. I do fear that I insert myself and my selfish desires where I need to be silent and in the background. I am human! But, I am learning to be cautious of my intentions and my words. 

I need to become less of the focus and he needs to become more- this is crucial. I believe there’s a balance and I’m searching for it...

This restlessness has also sparked my thoughts about other blogs. Am I really aware of what I read? Our world is in the midst of a “blog craze.” And it’s easy to become caught-up in the thoughts of another.

Ideas and beliefs are floating around for any soul to adopt and take to heart- to believe as truth. Because of this, I think it’s essential for us to keep ourselves and each other “in-check.”  

Words can certainly be life-giving and inspirational, but that’s not always the case. Even lies can be disguised as truths, then shared for days on Facebook and Pinterest. 

Ask yourself this- What are people’s intentions? Are they staying true to the Gospel? What can I take from it? What am I "feeding" on social media? What am I "feeding" my soul? 

I think those are important questions to keep in our hearts as we read our favorite blogs and authors. After all, they are human too.

On the flip-side, a beautiful aspect of this “blog craze” is how we can celebrate our differences, uniqueness, new ideas, resurrections of old ideas, and grow in ways we could have never expected- all by people’s hearts and passions, that they so graciously share. And that it can be published in seconds- at our fingertips! 

It’s honestly a gift, we just need to use it well and wisely.

So, fellow bloggers, fellow writers, famous or not- keep sharing your passions, your words, your gift to others, but remember the influence you have. 

In some cases, you hold your reader’s beliefs in the palm of your hand. It’s a delicate and precious gift, but it’s one that desperately needs to be placed in the Savior's hands- He can keep our words pure, creative, and from the very fiber of His being.

Fellow readers- Bathe it in prayer. Proceed with caution. Be real and honest. Celebrate differences. Take from it what you can. But stay true to the Gospel. 

It's as real and true as it gets.