Monday, September 27, 2010

A Year of Adventures (And Still More To Come!)

I am so very blessed. There are so many people who fill my life with joy. Their laughter and love reminds me everyday of God's hand on our lives. He is so unfailing. Even through tough times and good, he is right by our side. He so intimately wants to be involved in our everything. Our waking, our sleeping, our praying, our crying, our smiling. He rejoices in our rejoicing and he weeps when we weep.


I am so thankful. I have experienced so many great things during this year. It makes me excited because the year isn't even over yet! I am filled with anticipation at what the Lord is placing before me every day, every month, every year of my life. I never want to take for granted the life I have been given. Everyday when I wake I want to tell God that I am grateful and that everything I am is his.


So, here our just some of the highlights, some of my joys and accomplished dreams from the past year. I encourage you to also ponder what you are most thankful for and to never forget the wonderful gift that life is.

January: Kicked off a great year with a relaxing and fun cruise with one of my best friends and her family. We stopped in Jamaica, the Grand Caymans and Cozumel. One of the most funny moments was our experience swimming with sting rays. Definitely a one time thing for me I think. What a way to start off the new year! When I returned from the cruise I got the chance to meet my homeboy, Toby. : )







February: Got to be reunited with my sweet group of friends from Texas. Many of us grew up together and more importantly, we watched each other grow in our relationships with the Lord. Such an awesome bond we share!





March: My childhood friend, Brittany, came to visit me in GA. We got to visit and have lunch at the American Girl Doll Place. I have been waiting for her to come and visit just so I could go! We shared many a hour sitting in the floors of our rooms playing Barbies and American Girl.






April: I went on a life-changing mission trip to Lima, Peru. I love the people and the amazing ways God is at work! I want to go back and hope to return in the spring for a mission into the Peruvian rainforests.




May: I graduated from high school and ran my first 5k with Landon and Christian (I'm running another at the end of October!)


woo hoo! i'm finished!



June: Flew to L.A. California with my bro, Landon and a great group of students from our church for a mission/choir tour. A very fun memory. Also got to have a family get away to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We enjoyed a much needed rest and quiet time.


enjoying the resorts water slide




Landon and I on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills

July: Returned to my native land in Texas. Got to spend time with precious family and friends! Also visited Charleston, South Carolina with my mawmaw, aunt Julie (who recently moved with her family to the Middle East and was back in the U.S. for the summer) and mom. We had a fabulous time chatting, touring, and eating, eating, eating!

Gotta love those Texas skies



sweet friend

touring the only working U.S. tea plantation
in Charleston

August: Travelled back to the Middle East (Doha, Qatar to be exact) with my aunt Julie and her four kids. My uncle Kevin had already returned back to work so I was able to help my aunt out with the kids. We got to Doha with four kids, 10 large suitcases, 4-5 carry ons, stroller, car seat, and toddler carrier and all in one piece too! I got to stay for 3 full days before flying back just in time to start my college classes. It was wonderful experiencing the culture and getting to spend more time with my precious little cousins.


Time for tea in the Middle East!


met a feathered friend in the market


September: One of my biggest joys this month was celebrating Maddie Kate's 3rd birthday. Maddie is such a huge blessing to me. I can't imagine life without her. Adoption is the greatest adventure and the way she came to us is an amazing "God thing". I love getting to watch her grow, learn and discover God's world. I know that the Lord will do awesome things in her someday!



The Lord willing there will be many more adventures to come! Thank you God for everything you have done and will do!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Waking Up



"What if this happens?"
"What if that happens?"
"What if I can't do it all?"
"What if..."
"What if..."
"What if..."



What are your thought like first thing in the morning? I feel like my mind always goes 100 mph despite the fact that my toes haven't even touched the floor! So many mornings, I feel like those first few moments laying in bed are my weakest moments of the day. I let fear and all the "what ifs" overwhelm me and I know that the enemy really loves it.


What I have learned about myself is that I must jump out of bed in the morning and straight into God's word. I realize the power of calling out His name in my weakness. I know He is always with me and so strong even when I am not (which is most of the time). Everyday, when I begin my day spending time with the Lord, I am reminded that I am not walking through my day alone, but with my heavenly father and friend who will never leave me.


For me, waking up in the morning doesn't just include opening my eyes but also opening my heart to God. I love how He is such an intimate God who wants to walk through every part of the day with me. With Him and Him alone, I can avoid the "what ifs".

Friday, July 23, 2010

Gray Hairs

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet
inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles
are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our
eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary,
but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18


As beloved children of the Most High God, we have no need to loose heart. You know why? Because though our physical bodies are growing older, weaker (and maybe a little grayer) it doesn't really matter. What is important is that we have the opportunity to be renewed inwardly day after day.

As I grow older, I want to avoid complaining about wrinkles and those pesky gray hairs. I don't want to be an adult who dreads every birthday. I want to concern myself with my life and "age" spiritually. I have an eternity with God to look forward to. So really, each new birthday signifies one year or moment closer to spending forever with God. No momentary trouble should keep me from the joy of that eternal perspective that we should all think of more often.

So, I choose not to lose heart. I will rest in the promise that He is, was and will forever be holding me in is hand.

"Listen to me, O house of Jacob,
all you who remain of the house of Israel,
you whom I have upheld since you were conceived,
and have carried since your birth.

Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Isaiah 46:3-4



Me + two people who aren't letting a few gray hairs get in the way of doing great things for God! I love them so much!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Tasting


Taste and see that the LORD is good...

Psalm 34:8


Everyday, I want to taste and see that the Lord is good. I want to just enjoy Him and experience His goodness. I realize that I will not be able to see that the Lord is good without first tasting of Him. For me, that is going to include spending special time in His presence and making myself more aware of Him all around me. I will wait upon Him in expectation. So, today I want to work on tasting of the Lord.









Aren't these little cupcakes just divine?! Emilie and I discovered a little bakery that makes them and we are in love! Whenever I eat one of these scrumptious things I will remember to taste and see that the Lord is very good indeed!

Monday, July 19, 2010

[Insert Name Here]

This is one of those verses you just have to insert your name into to make it personal : ) My mom taught me how to do this...

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts [Lindsey Johnson],
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9

Sunday, June 27, 2010

The Sisterhood

Lindsey: Okay Maddie Kate, it's time to get ready for bedtime.
Maddie Kate: Noooooo!
Lindsey: Maddie, obey Sissy.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait just a minute.
Did I just tell my baby sister that she had to obey me? Isn't that, like, what parents are supposed to be saying? Hm....that just doesn't sound right coming out of my mouth.

So, a few weeks ago on vacation with my family, the above was the little scene that played out in our condo. My parents had gone out on a date, putting me in charge. Dealing with Maddie in that moment was a weird realization as a sister of how very diverse the roles I play in my family are. One moment I am trying to discipline my baby sister (who knows just how to get what she wants, by the way) and the next I am giving "grown-up" advice to my teen-aged sister.

The ins and outs of my role as sister are quite humorous and I couldn't be more thankful for the blessing that my sisters and brothers are to my life. It is so fun to have such a crazy life that it oh-so different than anybody else's. I mean, I don't know of any other seventeen year old girl who spends her days singing "This Little Light of Mine", kissing "boo, boos" and in her free time stalking her 14-year-old sister's Facebook for any boys that might be showing interest (Sorry, Em, you know its true. Be sure to tell all those boys that I own a steel baseball bat, a knife on my key chain and that I have a brother with a 20-gauge shotgun.) While other students my age can't wait to get out of their houses and off to college, I am a little more hesitant to leave. One of the reasons of this is because of my precious sisters.

I've grown up being dubbed "second mom" by my siblings. But now that I am a graduated senior and headed towards college in the fall, my focus is less on bossing my siblings around and more on building strong relationships with them. I so desire to have great relationships, particularly with my sisters. They are my best friends and I want it to stay that way forever. Emilie and I have so much fun together. Now that I have my own car, the possibilities are "endless" to what crazy memories we can make together. Maddie Kate and I have 15 years separating us. We go to the park to play, go on ice cream dates for free Brewster's kiddie cones and have a common adoration for "Coco". My sister's both make me smile and provide me with so many reasons to laugh and to love life.

I can't wait to see all that God has in store for our very special sisterhood.


Comforting MK...getting water in your face stinks!

Maddie and I having a blast at the water park.

Trying to get some sisterly pictures at the beach last summer. haha



Celebrating Em's birthday with some SUGAR!!!



Friday, April 23, 2010

My Family

One of the neatest things about the mission trip to Peru is the "family group." As soon as you sign up for the trip, the staff begins to prayerfully place each student into a family unit that consists of two leaders and six teenagers. The students have no say in the matter, they don't get to pick and choose who they want to be in their groups. It seems a little scary that you might get stuck in a group with (GASP!) no one that you know, but the experiences I have had with family groups have been so wonderful! You get placed with two awesome, godly leaders along with some sweet new friends. During the 6+ weeks of training and our week in Peru together, It was so great to be able to get to know my family better. Especially when we were doing ministry in Peru, we really got to see God at work in each other's lives. It is such a bonding experience.
I was so blessed to have two great men of God as my leaders this year. They were both my "adoptive daddies" for the week. : D On the last night we were in Peru, one of my leaders went around and affirmed in each of us what he saw in our lives, how he sees God at work. It was so special. He also had us each go around and speak words of affirmation and encouragement over each other. It was a great time if reflection at all that God is doing in our lives and I could have soared I was so encouraged by these fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I love each of them so much and can't wait to see what the Lord has for them in the coming days!

In the ATL airport about to leave the country! We were so excited!

Just the girls! We had some great "girls only" bonding time!

The whole group on top of a mountain in Lima

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Back in the Swing

This week has been hard, but also wonderful. It is hard being back in the real world after being in Peru. Being thrown back into the responsibilities and expectations is difficult.I find myself feeling extremely relieved when I get anything done. In my mind, its just one more thing behind me and one less thing to worry about. My mom reminded me today not to get caught up in checking things off the list, but find joy and relish in each day...in the journey. I am blessed to have a mom who knows me well and can speak this wisdom over me.
I am struggling to maintain focused on much at all. I am still dealing with major imprints on my heart, placed there by faces like these...





I fell in love with these precious faces, these precious hearts. Jesus is what we have in common and that is a strong bond.

More stories to come...

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

I Will Rise

I heard "I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin on the radio last night. I love that song and it brought to mind something the Lord was laying on my heart before leaving for Peru. On Good Friday when we were worshiping at Passion City Church, Chris Tomlin started to sing this song and I just broke down. Absolutely cried my eyes out. First of all, they were tears of joy. I am overwhelmed by the thought that someday soon I will get to be face to face (most likely flat on my face) before my savior in Heaven. I can't wait for that day. There will be much rejoicing. Then, they were also tears of sorrow and heartache for this lost world; the lost that won't experience "Rising up with Jesus." Our world is so full of darkness and God is calling me to be a light. To feel that call so strongly, especially in being thrown into action in Peru- whew! That call be came so real. It was more than just a burden God was laying on my heart, he was laying the opportunity right in front of me to "go and tell". I was going to be getting on the plane the next morning. There was no turning back...


"I Will Rise"

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Leading Up To…


It was an amazing week leading up to my mission trip to Peru. It was actually Holy week; A week of remembrance and contemplation of my savior dying on the cross. I was so looking forward to the trip. It was all I was talking about, thinking about, praying about. During that week, I was spending a lot of time seeking the Lord and his purpose for us in Peru. He was breaking my heart for the people of Peru. I had never been to Peru, never met any people in Peru. Yet, God was preparing me for ministry in this country. I remember standing in church, worshiping on Palm Sunday, totally heartbroken and thankful for what Jesus did for me. I was burdened for the hearts of those who don't know him yet. I couldn't wait to get to Peru!!! The night before I left for Peru, I was at Passion City Church for their Good Friday service. My family, closest friends and I worshiped for HOURS that night. I didn't even care that I was leaving the next morning or that I still wasn't done packing. I was busy worshiping the Lord and getting super pumped for what God was going to do in Peru! I looked at my phone on the way out and realized that we had been there for nearly 4 hours! Oh, how I love joining in with the Heavens in song!


How cool is it that the first day we were in Peru it was Easter Sunday?? We spent the morning riding busses around the coast of Lima and up to the top of the mountains where we worshiped. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate Jesus rising from the dead! It was truly an unforgettable experience. We were able to be overwhelmed by a panoramic view of Lima and pray over the city. The Holy Spirit was totally present there with us. It was an amazing start to an incredible week ahead.


On top of this mountain, there is this huge cross. It looks more like a cell phone tower, but it is no mistake that it is this familiar shape. This cross stands overlooking the entire city and stands as a reminder of the light and precious peace that Jesus can bring. In this world that is filled with darkness, God is ultimately conqueror and will overcome it all. I believe in the early 90's there were some violent cults present in Lima, Peru. With evil hearts, these people would destroy cell phone towers, like this one, creating chaos and bringing a lot of unrest to the country. Now that those times are over, this cross continues to stand and to bring hope to the city.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Where Do I Begin?

It's been a while. I have not written much recently about this life that God has so abundantly blessed me with. Not that there has not be PLENTY of things to write about. Mostly I just cannot find the time. Well, get ready, because for the next couple of weeks (at least) I have SO much to write about. It's going to be more than just words though. This is a time on my blog that will include recording, an unburdening of my heart and powerful prayer. On Saturday, I returned home from a week-long mission trip to Lima, Peru. God worked in amazing ways on the trip. Many lives were changed. How can you not be moved by the awesome power of our God? And that is just the people who attended the trip. When it comes to the Peruvians, nearly 600 people came to know my Jesus. Nearly 600 people felt God knock at their hearts. Nearly 600 people will someday enter the beautiful gates of Heaven. Nearly 600. They are my new sisters and brothers in Christ. I am truly in awe on my face before God at what He accomplished through just a group of seniors in high school. We are nothing. It was not us. It was not me. All the glory be to God.

I went into the trip with few expectations. And the few expectations I had were blow away by day one of our ministry. My advice to anyone going on a mission trip: don't ever have any expectations. The only expectation that you should have is that God is going to do some amazing things that will blow your mind. I think the expectations I had going into the first day of ministry gave me a bad attitude. I am the kind of person that needs to be in control and needs to know the plan. I guess God had a big grin on his face in Heaven because at the end of the day he was telling me, give me all the control, baby girl, don't you want to see me do something big? To which I responded by throwing all of my expectations, control and plans OUT THE WINDOW. I have the biggest smile on my face writing this because in that moment I was RUNNING to that "window" to get rid of all that junk. I just wanted to see God work. Who cares about plans anyways? Right? Okay.

Here is a tid-bit I wrote in my journal at the end of that day…

I feel the most weak when it comes to being a missionary on this trip. When it comes to my thought life, everything inside me says that I am not cut out for this. I know that the enemy loves when I mentally beat myself up. But, God I know the truth. You have called me and given me a passion for the lost. You have given me courage to do things like travel thousands of miles to see others come to know you. Thank you Lord. Help me to always remember the truth.

Ugh. Looking back I can totally see that satan was NOT happy about us entering his turf there in Peru. That was a rough day for me. But thank the Lord, my eyes were opened to the truth and the rest of my trip was up hill from that point.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Hey Texas,

Hey Texas,
I'll be there soon!
Love, Lindsey

I am so excited and blessed to be able to get away for a weekend in Texas. I know that my mom and I are going to have a fabulous time getting to talk, laugh and catch up with old girl friends.

You can take the girl out of Texas, but you can't take the Texas out of the girl y'all!

Monday, February 22, 2010

No Tea?!



Don't fast. from Living Water International on Vimeo.


I can take 40 days without tea, Starbucks, soda. I can't take the fact that children are dieing everyday because they don't have clean water to drink. We are so blessed, go and be a blessing.


PRAY.


FAST.


GIVE.

http://www.water.cc/living-water/the-h2o-project/

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Throwing Up My Heart


I know what you are thinking...what a kinda gross, and slightly weird name for a blog post.

Well, unfortunately, they are the only words I could think of to describe what I'm feeling. For some essays I am writing, I have to write about some deep stuff. For example, my relationship with Christ, my dreams, my life goals. A lot of great stuff.

BUT, It is going to be so hard to get all all this information onto paper. Maybe not so, so hard. But hard enough to make your head hurt a little bit. I just have so many thoughts and words swirling around, I do not know where to start. I totally hear my English teacher's voice in the back of my head telling me to start with some mind mapping and an outline. He he

I have so many things that I would like to write about; things that are on my heart. The only way I can put it is that I wish I could simply throw my heart onto the pages. Wouldn't that be cool? Easier for me at least. Hmmm...

Don't Really Have a Name For This Post...

It's been a fun week. I've been on a break from school which is nice, but I have stayed busy with family, friends and a good amount of homework to keep me grounded. : )

My parents have been on a cruise this week to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary (which is actually this August) and my grandparents came to hang out with us. I worked on my own little (BIG) home improvement project painting my bathroom cabinets white. They used to be an ugly wood finish. But now they are "shabby chic" because I lovingly distressed them with my handy dandy electric sander. I don't know much about home improvement, but I do have a not-so-secret love for the electric sander. I have found him quite useful in finishing off some of my craft projects. I wish I had before and afters, but I don't.

I got to have tea this week with some lovely ladies. Some of my favorite people. We drank lots and lots of tea and we laughed...a lot. Our waitress seriously came to bug us 10500 times, but we would just smile and say that we were fine and we would back to laughing outrageously. It was probably a good thing that we were some of the only people at the tea room. Or, come to think of it, they may have all left because of us. Hm...

I can't believe it is already the weekend and that the break will be over on Monday. I've got to crack down on my school work life. I have always been a self-taught, self-disciplined girl, but sometimes things get a little crazy and you realize that you have been putting off some things for a while. Yeah, I'm saying it. I've been guilty of procrastinating this week. Bummer. So, I'm spending the weekend studying for a CLEP test, taking a math test, doing a study guide for economics, preparing to lead a book study Tuesday morning, oh and writing three essays for a scholarship application that is due next week. Woo hoo!



At least I did have some good times this week. It was fun while it lasted.


Y'all have a great weekend! Blessings!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Guess Who?

Guess who I met yesterday?

My boy TobyMac!!!

Oh, he is my favorite.

Me and my siblings are on a school break this week, and so what better things do we have to do other than stand in line for two hours in order to meet our favorite musician? The answer to that is not very much. We had nothing to lose, so we went to the Christian bookstore super early and waited and waited.

We were about 12th in line, so we were sitting indoors, unlike these loyal fans who had to stand out in the cold...

Good thing I had my new favorite game, "Bananagrams," in my purse! We played for awhile and listended to TobyMac's new album on our iPods. My brother went outside just in time to snap a picture of Toby arriving. Peace!

So yeah, the wait was totally worth it becasue I got to meet Toby. I don't even remember all I said to him, I do know that I got 3 knuckle punches and an autograph! From TobyMac! For reals! I was freaking out.

I love TobyMac and his heart for God! Buy his album! It's the best.


Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Wow God...

Major "Wow, God" moment this morning!
It started to snow a little (just a little) but the snow flake were so magnificent! God is an awesome creator! I did not get any pictures this morning, but there was a similar snow here in GA while I was on my cruise and this is a picture that my sister took. Check it out...



God's voice thunders in marvelous ways;
he does great things beyond our understanding.

He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,'
and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.'
- Job 37:5-6

Absolutely stunning. These are the real deal in snowflake land! I was seriously jealous when I got home from my trip because I have never seen a legitimate snowflake. I hardly believed that they existed! Well, I got to see some with my own eyes this morning and I am praising God! He is such a huge God and yet he "hand makes" these tiny little masterpieces. Can you say "wow?" I know...pretty amazing.

Another sighting in my yard this morning included some sweet little birds. Bless their hearts, it is so cold and their little feathers were all fluffed up. They looked so cute. I saw a red cardinal and also a pretty mama robin. I need to put some bird seed out so that I can see the little friends more often. I am reminded of my little buddy "Stubby." Remember him? It is so comforting to know that God cares for even the birds. He loves us so much and he provides for our every need!

I thought that this verse was absolutely beautiful...


Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
-Psalm 84:3




I am so blessed.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Our God is Greater - Chris Tomlin

Water you turned into wine
opened the eyes of the blind
there's no one like you
none like you
Into the darkness you shine
out of the ashes we rise
there is no one like you
none like you


Our God is greater
Our God is stronger
God you are higher than any other
Our God is Healer
Awesome in power
Our God
Our God

Into the darkness you shine
out of the ashes we rise
there is no one like you
none like you


Our God is greater
Our God is stronger
God you are higher than any other
Our God is Healer
Awesome in power
Our God
Our God


and if our God is for us
then who could ever stop us
and if our God is with us
then what could stand against

*Don't forget, the Passion Band's newest album is coming out on March 9th!*

Sunday, February 14, 2010

No Greater Love


I am filled with an all-consuming, overwhelming love for my savior! There is no greater love than the love he displayed on the cross. For me and for you. There is no greater, no more powerful love than that.

I am reminded today of the huge contrast in love and TRUE love. So, what's the difference? See for yourself...

love=comes naturally, is emotional, is a temporary pleasure, based on feelings, because of_____, fails, falling in and out

TRUE love=is learned over time, a choice, is precious, a decision, in spite of_____, never fails, constant

See the contrast? Thank you Lord for your example of that TRUE love.

On my Valentine playlist...

No Greater Love - Steven Curtis Chapman
True Love - Phil Wickham
Love is Here - Tenth Avenue North
Beloved - Tenth Avenue North
Love - Emily Hunt
Break Open the Sky - TobyMac
Your Love is a Song - Switchfoot
How He Loves - David Crowder Band
Divine Romance - Phil Wickham
A Mighty Fortress - Corri Moon

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Dear Brock,

Dear Brock,
I miss you so much, especially today.
You impacted my life in so many ways.
Thinking of you makes me remember what is important.
Life is not the same without you, but it is amazing to think of the eternal life you are experiencing in heaven.
Losing you was the hardest thing in my life.
I have learned to live hard and love hard and to trust Jesus in everything.
I have witnessed in the form of a baby girl, that joy comes in the morning.
I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good.
Love you Brockie.
-Lindsey

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Finishing Strong

I am so glad that this week is over. I felt like it was one of the longest I've had in a long time. I was just telling my friend that I am so thankful that God loves me and won't give me more than I can handle! I can do all things through him. He is so faithful.
In these crazy weeks, I am still dreaming of the sand and sun and warmth of the Caribbean. Don't these picture just make you warm inside. Needless to say, I am looking forward to summer. Take me to the beach please!


Meanwhile it is close to freezing here in GA and a chance of snow?! Brrrr...I wish I could hibernate until spring!
Guess what I am happy happy happy about?
I have less than 12 weeks left of high school! (this excludes my Feb. break coming up and spring break)
But really, people, 12 weeks! I am so thrilled.
We called a "Senior meeting" today and were discussing fun things like prom, graduation and other happenings. So, so, exciting. Can't believe it's that time.
I just want to finish strong.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Some More Romans & Countdowns

I am memorizing Romans 8 right now and it has been awesome! My week has been so great with the purpose of hiding God's word in my heart. This is what I have memorized so far...


Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
because, through Christ Jesus, the law of the spirit of life has set me free
from the law of sin and death.
For what the spirit was powerless to do, in that it was weakened by the
sinful nature, God did by sending his only son in the likeness of sinful man to
be a sin offering. -Romans 8:1-3


Some fun news...
I am counting down the releases of two very incredible albums in the coming months. First of all, TobyMac is releasing his album, "Tonight" on Feb. 9th (11 days from now) I also need to start counting down the days 'til his concert, which I am going to! March 28th in Athens (58 days!)



Also, the Passion band, who leads worship every Sunday at Passion City Church in ATL is releasing their new album called "Awakening" on March 9th (39 days from now) I have already heard some of the songs at church and they are such beautiful worship songs.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

I Seriously Need to Blog

I have no time.
This will have to wait.

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ
Jesus,
because, through Christ Jesus, the law of the spirit of life has set
me free from the spirit of sin and death."

- Romans 8: 1-2


Saturday, January 23, 2010

Easter!

I know Easter is pretty far away still. But who says we can't get excited about Jesus conquering the grave everyday!? This video makes me super excited for the celebration of Easter and thankful to my precious Savior!

He's Alive from Johnson Ferry on Vimeo.

Doesn't it just give you goose bumps?

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Tea Tuesday

After a long day, I love to come home and brew my self a nice big cup of hot, loose-leaf tea. Oh, it is always so good! I have a few new teas that I purchased at a store while I was in Texas. It is so much fun getting to try a new tea. I feel like a kid in a candy store! : )

The new tea that I tried this afternoon is a decaf pomegranate green tea. It was pretty great. When it brewed, it was a deep red color and it sweetened really well. I love Splenda! I bought the tea in a store in Southlake called Central Market. They had an entire isle, with shelves stacked high with large tins holding the different types of loose leaf. You get to pick out what tea you want, measure the amount into little baggies and then you put it on a digital scale that prints off the price of the tea. I was in heaven! I think I grabbed bags of at least ten different teas! I've tried several of them already and I may have to get my friend to ship me some more!

Well, this is a little peek into my obsession love for tea. Its really a fun hobby for me. I love enjoying it while I read my bible or do my homework (bleh). I have especially enjoyed having tea parties with my sisters and my mom. We have this fun dream of opening up a tea room someday. My mom is the hostess, I'm the tea connoisseur and Emilie is the cook...Maddie Kate can just be there looking cute. : )

Here is an amazing painting that my sister did for me. She is so talented (and she knows me well).