In Faith, I Will Follow!

We don't say "yes" to the Lord because we have all the answers figured out or completely understand what He is doing. No, we say "yes" because of who HE IS and what He has promised to us. We can trust Him, because He is good; we can rest in peace, because He is always faithful; and we can love, because He has freely poured out and given His life to us. Wow, what a blessing a privilege it is to be a child of the King. He is unchanging and is ALWAYS the same!! He alone is worthy of our adoration and praise! Will you worship at His feet? Our lives should be a continual declaration of His life, goodness, love and mercy! So, go and declare what great things He has done for you, because there is no way to even begin to describe all the miracles that He has given to us!

So. . .It's kinda crazy, but I'm getting to know this super amazing man of God that the Lord has brought into my life. I've been so encouraged and challenged in my walk with God, by His consistent devotion to Jesus Christ. He continually shows me more and more of Jesus Christ! I'm so blessed by his love, kindness, encouragement, strength, leadership, humility, support, patience, honesty, commitment, courage and faith.

Nate, You're amazing!! You continually go above and beyond what I ever expected and have totally blown away my dreams!! I feel like the most blessed girl in the world!! What an awesome privilege it is to go into the throne room of Heaven with you, and fight for the burdens that God has placed on our hearts. It's an honor to be a part of your life and a great delight watching God work in our lives, continually drawing us closer to Himself.

 So many awesome memories. . .and so many more to make!!

I flew out to Colorado to pick up Tricia from Ellerslie! We had a blast hanging out and hiking again!! It was super great to have her back for a few weeks. She just headed home but what an awesome privilege it was spend the last couple years with you!! You loved me, challenged me, prayed for me and constantly encouraged me!! :) I couldn't have asked for a better friend to walk through these past couple years.  Thanks girl! Through the ups and downs; You've been there for me, always pointing me back to Jesus!! There's no way to describe how much you're missed, but go forward in the strength of our King and impact those around you, for His honor and glory!

I'm SO beyond thankful for the wonderful friends that Jesus has blessed me with!! Thank y'all for the awesome memories that we've had, I'll treasure them forever!

Love spending time with these two!! They're hilarious! #always laughing

And YES, I'm still having crazy awesome times with this fantastic sister of mine!! I'm so proud of you and it's super exciting to watch how God is using you to draw others closer to Jesus! She came up to visit me this spring and totally surprised me!! You're the best sister anyone could ever ask for!!

Our God is faithful and He is completely worthy of our lives!! He deserves all of our glory, adoration and praise! I've been challenged by this and I know if I'm holding back in any area and not completely surrendering it to Him. It's because I'm believing something that is not completely true about Him. Because He is only good and only does what is best for His children. Trust Him, because He is a trustworthy God!

Don't Pitch Your Tent

I'm continually challenged by this verse. Don't ever be satisfied with how well you know Jesus right now, because there is SO much more that He desires to reveal to us. Everyday our heart and passion should be to know Him more! He's promised to complete the work that He has begun in us! So, always say "yes" to whatever He may ask of us and don't ever settle (pitch your tent) or get comfortable with where He's brought you! He is completely worthy of our entire devotion to Him alone! So, pull up those tent stakes of apathy or idolatry and let us wholeheartedly run towards gaining more of Jesus Christ. May we never look back but press on towards eternity!  

Will You Still Follow Even When Jesus Says No?

I've been studying the mercy of God recently and I was challenged this morning not only by this man's response to the mercy of God but also how he immediately followed Jesus not in His own way but in the way that Jesus instructed him.

". . .the man who had been demon-possessed was entreating Him (Jesus) that he might accompany Him. And He did not let him, but He said to him, "Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you." And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him' and everyone marveled." Mark 5:18-20

When Jesus was leaving the place where this demon-possessed man had been healed, the man was begging and earnestly pleading that he might be able to accompany Jesus. His one desire and prayer was to follow Jesus. Now, what caught my attention, was the fact that even though Jesus said "no" to his request. At the very same time, He also said "yes" to the true desire and heart of the matter, which was his desire to follow after Jesus. 

". . .If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me." Luke 9:23 This word deny here means "to forget one's self and lose sight of one's own interest." Jesus says that following Him, requires laying down all our own pursuits of self-glory and seeking His glory alone. A cross is choosing to completely surrender every area on the alter, daily. "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me." Matthew 10:38  

This cross is complete death to ourselves. It's no longer your life but His life living through you. I was challenged by this man's response when Jesus told him "no" to a seemingly good desire. He choose to continue to follow Jesus and immediately proclaim what Jesus Christ had done for him. Why? Because, that's what Jesus asked him to do and he had chosen to take up his cross and follow the Savior, even though it was different than what he had asked for or anticipated, he was obedient. It was no longer about his life and desires but proclaiming and sharing about the goodness and mercy of Jesus Christ to everyone he met. Even though he had desired something different, he chose to die to that desire and fully surrender  and submit to whatever the Lord had asked him to do.  Taking up our cross and dying daily to our flesh is not an option, it is the cost that is required to follow Him. 

Following Jesus is not about what we want to do but rather, we should ask ourselves, how will Jesus be most glorified and exalted by what He's already done and is doing in our lives? Our lives must be fully surrendered to however the Lord sees fit to use us in His kingdom work. Even when it's not what we may have asked for and it seems like he's saying "no", we must remain dependent upon Him, trusting that He always know what is best! Trust Him, He is always good and merciful! He can't change that, because it's not something He does but who He is! He is so worthy to be followed, which requires our daily death so that He can be lifted high through our lives. "The LORD has done great things for us; We are glad." Psalm 126:3 May we always be willing to be fully available and surrendered to whatever the Lord may ask of us.

Blessed by the Goodness of My Father!

What an absolute undeserved blessing to have spent this past semester with Hans!!! I never expected that God would put us together in the same place and time again! But it couldn't have been better! It was a huge blessing for me that she was out there, and as we pursued Christ together. . .we saw even more of His heart and His unending love and grace towards us!! We're so unworthy and yet He continues to pour out His love and grace upon us! 

Here is the precious lady that I helped take care of the last few months of her life. 

We had some awesome roommates!! I'm so grateful for the time that we were able to encourage each other and push each other towards Jesus! What a precious season that the Lord allowed us to be a part of out at Ellerslie!!

Tricia and Julianne came out to visit Hans and I while we were in Colorado! We had so much fun driving, hiking, cooking, chilling, bike riding, talking, rock climbing, laughing. volleyball, swinging, haircuts, etc. We definitely packed the weekend full!! They're such an encouragement and blessing in my life! Thank y'all for being such awesome friends!! 

I got to visit Hans at her new work place! It's a cute place and the food was great!!

Oh, and she's basically. . .super awesome!! FYI :)

My parents had their 40th wedding anniversary and I'm so thankful to count them as some of my closest friends!! I wouldn't be where I am today without their constant love, encouragement and direction in my life. Thanks Mom and Dad!!

I had a lot of fun spending the past week with my sister Elizabeth and her family!!

We got to go skiing for the first time this year! It was a blast!!

Happy New Year!

May each and every moment of our days be consumed by our King, choosing to honor and glorify Him in all that we do! This year, my our aim be Jesus Christ himself, allowing His life to clearly shine through ours! He is worthy of nothing less than our complete devotion, saying "yes" to His voice at every turn that we make. 

Overwhelmed By the Work of His Hands!

I guess this is a small update of the recent happenings in my life! I just finished four years of working for IBLP and now Jesus has moved me back out to Colorado. While it is hard to let go of everything that I know and where it's comfortable, I know that when Jesus is calling, I must go and do the work that He has set before me. Even through the unknowns and uncertainty, I can rest in complete peace knowing that my God holds my life in His gentle hands and He withholds nothing from those who walk uprightly! I'm excited to see what God will do in this next season of life! #Embracingthechange 

I loved living life with y'all! Each of you showed me a little more of Jesus that I hadn't seen before! You've been there to cheer me on when things were tough and you always rejoiced when I was overwhelmed with joy (seal claps) by what God was doing! I will always treasure this season of life that God gave me with y'all. Thanks for letting Jesus shine through you. . .Keep loving those whom God puts in your path, they're there for a reason! 

Guess what!? I get to spend eternity with these daughters of the King!!! Even though goodbye's are hard, I'm super grateful to have journeyed a small part of this life with y'all! What a privilege to have rubbed shoulders with these sisters and friends! 

Continue to allow Jesus to forge you into mighty women of faith, may He look down and smile upon His precious daughters that have pursued their King with all that is within them! Keep running on that endless frontier with Jesus and may each and every day you find Him to be faithful, who performs what He has promised to us. 

Pal came up for the weekend before he moved to Alaska. We had a great time and of course, don't forget the party! Volleyball, Food, Fellowship and Great Memories! It doesn't get much better than that! As I say, every girl needs an older brother and God knew I needed Pal. I'm blessed to have this awesome, loving, strong, caring, hard-working, gentle, determined, and protective guy as my brother. I'm excited to see what God does in your life, as you continue your training with the Alaska State Troopers, may Jesus be glorified through your life. 

What an awesome privilege to go seek Jesus with these girls! I was honored to be able to lead with Rebekah and Sophia, what mighty women of God to run alongside with! 

Jesus always amazes me by the work that He does in each of our hearts, if we are willing, taking us one step closer to Himself. What a blessed peace that rests upon us when we surrender and say "yes" to the work that He is doing in our lives. May we never hesitate in allowing Him to conform us into His image and may we never stop short or be satisfied until we have reached the perfection of His dear Son. 

Rebekah and Melissa took me out to eat one last time before I left! You two are such a blessing to me, thanks for everything! You guys are the best! :)

Our faithful Manor Care group! What a blessing to be able to go and sing for the old folks every week with these guys. I wouldn't trade these times for anything and I know that many of them were blessed by the sacrifices y'all made! Keep sharing Jesus with those around you!!

Our last department outing! Work is so much easier and fun with these guys! They never cease to keep us laughing and enjoying life! You guys are definitely in my thoughts and prayers!

My last trip downtown with these awesome people! I sure miss everyone at HQ, I'm super thankful for the time that God gave me up there, to get to know each one of you! 

I'm gonna miss working with these people! I'm beyond blessed to be able to call my co-workers, friends! I love y'all and I'm excited to see what God will do through each of your lives as you continue to seek after Him with all of your heart! 

Jesus has blessed me above and beyond my greatest desires! Each one of y'all, in your own way, have pushed me towards Jesus. I can't ever thank you enough for encouraging me and pushing me to do the hard things! Thanks! 

I wouldn't trade the world for the time that I had with this girl over the past year! Whether we were laughing, crying, going through tough times, chatting, or having deep talks, I'm gonna miss cooking for you and playing volleyball with you but Tricia you've blessed my life and I'm gonna miss living it with you! There really are no words to describe what you mean to me. You continually encouraged me and brought my focus back to Jesus and there is no price for a friend who points me back to my Savoir. In this next season of your life, spend extra time to get know Jesus better! It's easy to fill the time up with whatever, but make it count for eternity! Love you girl! 

"Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which YOU have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is non to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count." Psalm 40:5

Wow, the work that my God has done over the past four years, is literally indescribable. There are not enough words to even begin to express the miracles that He's performed in my life and in those around me. I've seen my God prove to be faithful to me, time and time again and He continues to reveal more of Himself to me. He deserves all the praise and glory for what He's done in and through each one of us, may we always turn back to praise Him, for His goodness to us! Over the past year Jesus has definitely depended my faith, trust and belief in Him! Faith is about believing, even when you can't see it! Jesus is trustworthy, never doubt in His goodness and unending love towards His children.

Enjoying the Moments. . .

Because They Don't Last Forever!

Ariana and Kevin spending time with their uncles! 

Hannah with her guys!! These guys are the best, it's really hard to imagine life without them.

We celebrated Hannah's high school graduation! It's hard to believe how fast time flies. . .enjoy the moment, because you will never have it again!

Family Pictures! Wow, we're all together again! :)

Oh happy day!!

Siblings make this world a much better place!!!

It's the little things in life that make the biggest difference in our hearts!

These are the pies that Hans made for July Fourth!

Yes, she definitely can bring out my crazy side. There's never a dull moment when this girl is around! 

Pal took me to one of my favorite places! :) Enjoying the last few chats before he moves to Alaska to join the State Troopers. It's been awesome to watch God direct his steps and see Him answer so many prayers. I'm super excited and expectant for the next thing that God will do in your life!

How can words even begin to express what this girl means to me. She never ceases to amaze me with all the many skills and talents God has given her. Along with her selfless love and care for those around her! Love you girl!! 

Friends That Love Jesus are Priceless!!

 After reflecting over the past month, I just realized what amazing friends that God has placed in my life. I wouldn't be who I am today without them and I got to see a lot of them on this trip to Texas, which was fantastic! I can't think God enough for giving me these close friends that love Him and always point me back to Him and His goodness. #focusingonJesus 

What a joy to be able to see Jennifer and Natasha! It definitely brought happiness to my heart!! We just picked up right where we left off. . .we didn't even skip a beat. I'm so blessed by your lives, your love for Jesus and your heart that truly desires to honor and glorify our King! You challenge and inspire me to be more like Jesus! :) Thanks!

Good times with Hannah, Seth, Tiff, Daniel, Laura, and Joy! 

We definitely had a blast together, enjoying life with these kids is great!! Four-wheelers, Laughing, Backyard BBQ, Canoeing, Chick-fil-a, Chatting, Shooting, Chipotle, Late Nights, Deep conversations, and a crazy busy conference week, will make for super fun times and awesome memories! Love you guys!

I got to be Laura's traveling budy on our trip! We had a grand ole time, stopped to see friends, took the scenic route to Texas, talked and laughed for hours, it was great!! Daniel came back to Chicago with us and I really appreciate him and he always inspires me as he gives and cares for all the people around him. I'm so excited for where God is taking you next!

I got to stay with Joy while I was down there, I miss this girl so much but super excited about what God is doing in her life. No, more late 4 hour phone calls. . .when you get to spend the whole week with her! Thanks Joy for always being there, you're the best! Stay steady, stay strong in the confidence of our unfailing Father. He's trustworthy!

We got to stop by my families place on the way back up to HQ. Hannah had her senior recital and did an awesome job! I SO glad that I could be there for it!! (Thanks Laura and Daniel for making it possible). I'm so beyond proud of this amazing sister of mine, she goes above and beyond what's required or expected in every situation, no matter how big or small it may seem!! #amazingsis

We went to a volleyball tournament and stopped by my grandparents place for the weekend. It was great to see their new house and visit the cute little country church that they've been attending.

This basically describes my friendship with Tricia! She's such a blessing to my life, going along with my crazy ideas and lets me talk through all of my thoughts and feelings. LOL No matter if we're cooking, working, talking, playing volleyball, practicing ukulele/mandolin, swinging, laughing, shopping, hanging out. . .it's always better with this girl!! She definitely keeps life exciting and always has us laughing.

I'm grateful for the times that God has given me with each one of them, and as we all have our separate lives now. . .I'm really grateful for the times when we get together! Each one of you show me a different characteristic of Jesus and I'm challenged to be more like Him because of you and the work that you're allowing Him to do it your life! May He pour out His richest blessings upon your lives!! 

To My Best Friend . . .

. . . and Other Half!!!

Happy 18th Birthday!!!

"I had the greatest friend when I was a little kid . . . 

and I get to keep her for the rest of my life."

Wow, there's so much I could say. . .but there's no way to even begin to describe what this girl means to me. I can't imagine going through life without you! 

When I think of you, so many things flood my mind. You are kind, loving, faithful, beautiful, gracious, considerate, giving, energetic, fun, strong, supportive, unwavering, determined, amazing, steadfast, loyal, ambitious, flat out incredible . . . and the list goes on and on! Don't underestimate the impact that you've had on the people around you, your family, and definitely me! 

Hans, I'm super excited to see what God does in your life this next year! I pray that all you do would honor and glorify Jesus Christ and that through your life many would be drawn closer to Him! Keep your eyes focused on Him alone and it's unimaginable what He's going to do through you. He's your strong tower, your peace and your faithful guide. Don't underestimate the time you spend with Him! He alone is the one who will give you the power to make an impact on this world. 

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9

No matter what you face this next year, never forget that He goes with you!

"A loyal sister is worth a thousand friends!"

Raised in His Likeness

"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection (life), and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;" Philippians 3:8-10 

The One who raised Christ from the dead desires to dwell in us. He’s accomplished and completed all that was required for us to be able to walk in freedom and have a new life in Christ. All we must do is believe by faith in the work that Jesus has already done for us on the cross. What's standing in the way of you allowing Christ in? It's not about trying to be a better person or appearing to have it “all together,” because we can’t and it’s useless even trying. In Christ, we no longer live to serve our flesh but to glorify the One who lives in us and the same Spirit that dwelt in JESUS, dwells in us.

We have access to all that is in Christ Jesus. All He asks, is that we get in Him and remain in Him, allowing His life to flow through ours. It's not about building Jesus into our lives but instead, building our lives around Jesus. He is the only true source of life and fulfillment that satisfies our souls deepest desires. As we focus on Him every moment of every day; the worries, cares and concerns of this life are minimized. He will conform us to respond as He would and see life from His perspective. Through His Spirit, He gives us the power to walk a new life in Christ Jesus!

“Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.” ― Corrie Ten Boom

Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. This comes through dying to our selfish desires and allowing His thoughts and ways to take the throne of our hearts. It is then that the beautiful life of Jesus will begin to be revealed through our lives.

“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken (revive) your mortal (dead) bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:11

In Christ Jesus you are clothed in the righteousness and holiness of Christ. All the promises of God are "yes and "amen" in Christ Jesus. He does not lie and His word is true. You can always count on him to follow through and do what He has promised. Don't doubt it! We can stand strong in that position (He is the victorious King, we don't need to give into the lies and fear that the enemy brings against us). All sin is rooted in unbelief and it no longer has dominion over us. We are in Him; He is immovable and secure, but we must choose to stand on the truth of God’s word.

Righteousness is allowing the Spirit of God to take control of our daily actions and attitudes, conforming them into the true nature of God. Holiness is responding to what Jesus Christ has revealed to us about Himself and allowing His Spirit to conform us into His image. Daily dying to the flesh and crucifying our desires, so that His LIFE can be more fully manifested through our lives. “God did it, God Does it, and God will Always Do it”. Your actions can either point others to see Jesus or turn them away from Him. That is the beauty of the resurrected life in Christ! May our one desire be to know Christ and then as we live through His resurrected life, may this world know what a great and mighty God we serve!

Wintertime Memories!

There are so many memories from Monday nights over the past four years. . . but these are definitely my favorite! What a joy and blessing it's been to be able to play and sing over at Manor Care for the old folks! I'm blessed to be able to serve alongside my faithful friends. I'm always encouraged as they allow the love of Jesus to flow through their lives to the people around them! :)

Our first ski trip for the winter! We had a grand ole time! :)

Pal came up to visit me! It's always great having him up here! :)

I've definitely missed playing volleyball! 

We also had a great time surprising Tricia for her birthday! 

Hangin' with the fam . . . is always a party!! Love these guys!

We had a great time skiing!!

"The Christian is one who has a reason to smile and this reason doesn't change. . .ever. The Christian possesses an indomitable joy, an impervious sense of gratitude, and an ever present buoying grace that supplies, not just an endurance through difficulties, but shouts of joy in the midst of the darkest of life's turns." -Eric Ludy

I've recently been reading through Wresting Prayer by Eric Ludy and have been inspired to rise up and engage in the battle that is taking place in the heavenlies. I came across this quote the other day and was really challenged by it!

"Don't pray that God would teach you how to love like He loves; pray that He would fill you with Himself and that He would love in and through you. Don't pray that He would teach you to have joy; pray that the living God full of joy would enter into you. Don't pray that He would teach you how to be peaceful; ask for the God of peace, the Prince of peace to infill you. Because if you try to imitate in your own strength, you will be miserable replica. But if you allow the impartation of Jesus Christ to overtake you, suddenly it all works because it is Him imitating Himself, and He is very good at being God." -Eric Ludy