following beautiful feet

More than anyone else I know, Callie knows how to enjoy life and see the beauty of God in everyday things.  She may not even see it about herself, but her joy is the most tangible, attractive thing about her.. just look through her album on facebook and see how she can find beauty in almost anything. Not only that, but Callie is a really good communicator. She is unmatched in listening to God’s voice, and then communicating/explaining what she’s learning to others. I really, really admire Callie, and find her friendship to be one of the most inspirational things in my life. Here is one of my favorite things she has blogged about lately:

“one night last week i was in the car trying to sort through some of the stuff that’s been going through my head about my place in the church… crying to God to please just “fix my heart so you can use me..” and as i sat there feeling like a complete mess..useless in the kingdom.. i felt like God said::..using you is not my priority, your heart is my priority.”

Reminders like these are always stirring in Callies heart… and just being her friend is like winning the lottery, because I get to hear what’s going on, what she’s learning, what God’s speaking to her. Oh yeah, and I just remembered one of my favorite things about Callie– how much she laughs. She will laugh at anything. And i love it! I love you, Callie!

We love to dance..

friends since 5th grade

If I am ever to  have a life-long friendship, it will undoubtedly be with Erika. We were in the same 5th grade class, on the same junior high basketball team, and finally became best friends in the 9th grade. And now, by the grace of God, we have remained friends all through high-school and now all through college. Mine and Erika’s friendship was a bizarre one, to say the least. We must have hit it off because of our weird high-school humor, all centered around bodily functions and our obsession with AIM chatting on fake screen names (don’t tell my mom).

The amazing thing about a best friend is that they can see the weaknesses and blind spots that you can’t see for yourself. When I’m at the crossroads, unable to make a decision, Erika can usually see the right way for me to go because she knows my heart.  I think the most amazing thing about Erika is watching how she has responded to God. In her most recent blog she writes,

“I spent the majority of the past two years begging God, pleading with Him to deliver me from my apathy. I spent countless nights in sorrow and anguish, praying for him to wake me up, to rock my world. [...] I had to learn to let go of my plans. My future is His to work with. I want to allow Him to lead me, wherever that is.” (you should go read the whole post– its incredible)

My heart is so glad to see my best friend in the place of complete surrender to God — I haven’t seen her so happy in so long, and it is such an encouragement to me. Erika is a daily reminder that when we follow God and surrender to what He wants for our lives, we will be absolutely more content and filled with joy. I love you Erika!

intro: best friends = roommates

I’ve always heard about people complain about terrible roommate situations—one of the roommates is a slob, one is terribly obnoxious and inconsiderate, they smoke in the house, don’t pay bills on time, etc— but thankfully, I have never had to deal with that. In fact, I want to take time to brag about my amazing roommates, Callie and Erika. They are both incredibly talented, ridiculously fun, Godly girls. Now the following two blog posts are dedicated to my best friend/roomies/role models in life.

the best living situation you could ever have

 

 

 

the photoshop effect

The most liberating feeling in the world is to relax, release control, and just accept yourself as you are. And I’m speaking from the midst of that battle. Take a look at this video. It’s a great reflection of reality — the reality that our society is fixated on a completely fake idea of perfection. It is not reality to be perfect… no one is! So anyways, watch the video:

more about “the photoshop effect“, posted with vodpod

snaggletooth pumpkin

Cale & Katy's Snaggletooth Pumpkin

 

Cale and I carved my pumpkin before I had my small group party tonight. Obviously, we’re amazing at carving pumpkins. And obviously we’re happy to be home together again : )

DIRT

There’s nothing but Dirt Conference planning going on a New Life right now. Here’s Neil Greathouse instructing our trusty 24-7 +Cadre Students.

I’m not making any promises, but I just heard the word “legos” and “rice krispies” in the same sentence.. and someone just said “peeing in the halls”… Get ready.

In case your head is cocked to the side and you’re thinking “…. Dirt??” I’ll clarify: The Dirt Conference is a non-typical creative conference at New Life Church — teaching you how to take your church from nothing to something. It’s all about working with what you’ve got. Check out dirtconference.com.

follow peace

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” Psalm 26:3-4

“The Lord will give unyielding and inpenetrable strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11

My mom has always told me that the Lord leads his people with peace. I love that because its so simple. When you’re at the crossroads, wondering which way to go, and needing God’s direction, just remember: follow the peace of God.

python: +2 // penguin: 0

This is a true story. I heard it on the news in Fayetteville last weekend after the Razorback game.

Last Sunday was “Bring your pet day” at Springdale’s Detengase y Escuche Church. There were two scheduled animal blessings, 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. The Esteban Culebra family of Johnson showed up with their 20-foot, 206-pound African rock python named Monty.

For the blessing, the Culebras had awakened Monty from his annual summer estivation and he was in a cranky mood. When the water splashed on Monty’s head, the snake, now fully agitated, grabbed a penguin and swallowed him whole.

Monty then escaped the church and was last seen heading down an embankment toward Lake Fayetteville. Authorities advise against trying to capture the snake and ask that you call the local police department if the snake is sighted.

keep this

things I want to keep from today:

“The Dreams of faithful people do come true.”

“I have found the paradox. If you love until it hurts, then there can be no more hurt, only more love.” -Mother Teresa

little dreams

there's me... in 1988

I had to do an exercise the other day in class, answering what I liked to do as a little girl.

I liked to…….

1. play outside (specifically in the creek)

2. hide (in bushes, under beds, in boxes, in suitcases, in trees)

3. make stuff (beads, bracelets, tye-dye tshirts)

4. love horses (pet them, groom them, ride them, read about them, cry about them)

5. ride my bike

6. swim

7. play house

8. dream about traveling the world

Somehow, I guess I’m still a little girl at heart. I haven’t really changed (except I don’t really hide in the bushes anymore).