Ready. Set. Go.

"No one lights a lamp, then hides it in a drawer. It's put on a lamp stand so those entering the room have light to see where they're going. Your eye is a lamp, lighting up your whole body. If you live wide-eyed in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. Keep your eyes open, your lamp burning, so you don't get musty and murky. Keep your life as well-lighted as your best-lighted room." 

-Luke 11:33-36

Ready. Set. Go.

Yep. All of this and more describes where I am right now. I leave for Africa with 15 other team members to go and love on orphans. Though we'll be participating in practical services, the Lord has been continually speaking to my heart how everything we need is truly found in him. He is the Light that lights our path and He is the ultimate Life-giver and Healer. He is truly the answer. So, as I continue to prepare and finish the "last minute" details before heading out, I continue to remember that Jesus is the answer and my everything is truly found in him. May he continually remind us all of this basic, but beautiful truth. Blessings and thank you for your continued prayers!

In the "Little Things"

No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us--perfect love!

-I John 4:12 (MSG)

This week, I have continually been astounded at finding God in "the little things." I have been reminded of the sweet treasures that often go unnoticed: a smile, an encouraging word, sunshine, music, birthdays, unexpected gifts, letters, phone calls, and the list goes on. But how many times do we walk by and not notice the little things? I know that I personally have gone days without taking notice. But I have found that when my eyes are opened and I do take notice of the small things, God brings great joy and thankfulness to my heart. It is in these moments that I am reminded of His kindness, His character, and His love. I'm able to see it up front, close, and personal. It wells so deeply within me that it causes me to want to bring "little things" into the lives of others. What I love is how nothing is "little" to Jesus. It all counts. It all matters and it all speaks to His heart. He is continually speaking through the "little things" to show his heart towards me. How often I miss it! 

So, what has been happening in Nashville? My heart and senses are waking up again to the things of God--no matter how small. And all I can do is worship. It has caused me to yearn to pour into the lives of others. How deep and great is his love!

Below is a picture of a "little thing". My friend Kate had a birthday, so we did what everyone should do on their birthdays. We went out to eat and celebrated! Here's to the little things! Yay, God!