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

He Never Fails What He Has Promised!

He is Faithful!

In the morning sunrise I behold Your glory
All creation sings Your majesty and praise 

I come before You, resting in Your presence. 

My Maker and Redeemer,You're the Keeper of my days 

And You are faithful to supply my need.

You are faithful to give me joy abundantly 

You are faithful to calm the storms of life for me

You are faithful, You're all I need.

In the darkness of the night my heart is peaceful

As I rest beneath the Shadow of Your Wings

For You alone can fill my deepest longings

You're the Alpha and Omega, my Jehovah and my King

And You are faithful to supply my need.

You are faithful to give me joy abundantly 

You are faithful to calm the storms of life for me

You are faithful, You're all I need.

"He is Faithful" by Rachel (Wissmann) Busenitz 

Nothing Can Stop Our God!

He is ABLE and will complete everything that He has begun!!

I've been pondering on this verse recently and it has become the cry of my heart. "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness." Psalms 17:15

My one desire is to pursue Jesus and to be satisfied with nothing less than His likeness and righteousness. One day, when I see Him and kneel before His throne. . .my heart and passion will be fulfilled; to see my Savior in all of His splendor and majesty. I will behold Him not just by faith and belief in His word but by sight! He's so faithful, unchanging and always fulfilling His promises to us. 

I had the awesome opportunity this summer to go to Ellerslie out in Windsor, CO! Oh my goodness, Jesus absolutely changed my life and perspective in so many ways!!! Day by day he continually amazes me! He's worthy of ALL of me and as I die to myself, He conforms me into the image of His dear Son. In His faithfulness and mercy, He guides and directs my paths, drawing me closer to Himself. 

He's beyond WORTHY of our total love, devotion and complete attention! Our selfish, self-centered ways crowd out the love and power of our Savior. We want Him to meet our needs, fulfill our desires and make our plans work. When He is calling us to come away with Him and enjoy the bountiful blessings that He has for us, they're beyond anything we can ever imagine. In His presence is fullness of joy and pleasure forevermore. When will we begin to believe the promises of God? When will we take Him at His word? Our God does not lie and therefore His word is truth. You can stand firm and secure in what He has promised,  He will not fail! There is NO need to doubt anymore, He wants us to experience His greatness and power through the life of His Son, Jesus. So many times we settle for a mediocre Christian life; trying to do the "right" things to get by and live a "good" life. He has greater adventures ahead for us! May we represent our King and show Him, not just in word but by our lives, how Worthy He is!

My family came to Colorado for the Ellerslie Basic Graduation and we took a small family vacation. We stayed in the mountains for a few days and did some hiking, free climbing, and admiring all of God's beautiful handiwork.

Travel times this year have been great!! 

I travelled down to Missouri for about 18 hours to surprise Hannah for her state piano competition. It was so fantastic!!! After 30 minutes of silence and shock...we had a party! LOL I'm so beyond proud of this girl, She continues to give her best in every area and go above and beyond to accomplish her goals! Love you!! 

Pal came up to visit HQ when Seth was still working up there. We had a blast! I'm so glad you came up to visit!!

Such grand times! A wedding, music, bonfires, smores, church and visiting friends!

Daniel, Seth and I headed home for a weekend visit. . .and delivered a baby grand piano that a friend had found for us! 

We went down to Verity's Harvest Fest and Christmas Reception! Good times hanging out with friends and making new ones!!

IBLP Staff Christmas picture!

 I'm definitely going to miss a lot of these people that are moving on! It's been a great year and I'm excited to see what God has in store for next year!

I was so blessed that my family was able to come up for the Christmas conference and my Mom's 60th birthday! 

"Because of you I laugh harder, cry less, and smile a LOT more!"

My Pals!

So blessed to be able to call my closest friends, FAMILY!!! You guys are the best and I miss y'all so much!!! Thanks for always being there for me. . .no matter what is going on I can always count on y'all! 

"I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the Land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm 27:13-14

Family, Friends, and SO many Fun Times!!

I don't even know where to start! The past few weeks have been crazy. . .late nights, early mornings, spending time with friends, and just amazed at how the Lord continually works out all the little details for everything to happen. WOW! I'm amazed at the peace God gives even when everything around you seems to be saying NO but in His presence, He gives rest to the soul. 

My crazy overly dramtic co-workers/friends!! They all showed up dressed in black to morn my parting! LOL, I'm gonna miss y'all a TON!!

Traveling to Colorado! Hannah and I had a blast Driving out!

 I'm so grateful that I was able to spend the last three weeks at HQ with Seth!! It's been great, can't wait to get back and make more memories!!! 

I'm so thankful for the wonderful friends that God has blessed me with! Thanks for always turning my focus back to Jesus!! Gonna miss you guys!

We went into Chicago with Phil's sisters before he left!! We already miss you a ton!!

Hanging out with these awesome peps before I left!! Thanks, y'all are such an encouragement to me!!

I'm gonna miss working with all these awesome people for the next few months. You guys always encourage me and keep me smiling! ;) Praying for you guys and may you walk in the strength of Jesus Christ!