On my heart...

The YouVersion iphone app has a verse of the day. I usually open it at some point during my day, read the verse, and go on. Sometimes I'll read more of the passage...what is written before and after. Today's verse really struck me. The only thing visible on the screen were the first couple lines. Then I kept reading. It's nothing that I've never read or never heard before. But today, it hit me so hard.

He was looked down on and passed over,

    a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand.

One look at him and people turned away.

    We looked down on him, thought he was scum.

But the fact is, it was our pains he carried—

    our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.

We thought he brought it on himself,

    that God was punishing him for his own failures.

But it was our sins that did that to him,

    that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins!

He took the punishment, and that made us whole.

    Through his bruises we get healed.

We’re all like sheep who’ve wandered off and gotten lost.

    We’ve all done our own thing, gone our own way.

And God has piled all our sins, everything we’ve done wrong,

    on him.

Isaiah 53:3-6, the Message 

I am so unworthy of this kind of love. When I read those words, I picture so much sadness on Jesus' face. Can you imagine someone disrespecting you, hating you so much, spitting on you, saying the worst words in the world to you? You SURELY wouldn't want to do anything nice for them. It would even be hard to simply forgive them. But Jesus did. He forgives. He is kind. He loves beyond any capacity our minds can understand. There is nothing sweeter.

place of FREEDOM

I love the weekends I get to spend with Joseph in Montgomery. It's really the only time we get quality "us" time. Since our best friends are in Birmingham, we are always on the GO when he comes up here...which I love too! There are no words to describe the relationships we are so lucky to have. Special, special people for sure! But it is also so nice to relax and be a bum for a few days :). I think it is definitely important for us to have time to reconnect and not be caught up in everything else going on in life. I am so thankful for the man of God he is, the encouragement and leadership he provides to me and others around him daily, and his genuine heart. I am thankful God changed us individually, so we can serve Him TOGETHER. Sappy, but had to brag on my man a little!

I've been reflecting a lot lately on the past few months. I have felt more joy, peace, and contentment than...ever. No, life is not perfect and every day is not sunflowers and cupcakes. But I try to focus on the GOOD in my life, there is so much. It's so easy to focus on the negative and be miserable. Happiness is a choice...daily. Wake up and choose to be joyful. Life is much much more enjoyable with a good attitude! And Jesus....oh how life is so wonderful with him!! He is so good.
And something else that is so good......Highlands Worship "Place of Freedom"

Can't..
Stop...
Listening....
Seriously... So good.
I love my church!
 

Heading to Haiti!

I already figured when I started this blog that I wouldn't have much to say...I guess I was right seeing as how it has been a good while since I have written anything.

The biggest thing happening in my life right now, I am excited to announce, is that in 3 months I will be traveling to HAITI for 8 days! For about the past year or so, the Lord has put a heavy burden on my heart to LOVE on the orphans. This trip has been something I have prayed about, doubted, had confirmation, and repeated the cycle several times. I have doubted that God would really use me. I have doubted my ability to function in circumstances so far beyond my comfort zone (including especially my FIRST flight!). I have doubted that I could afford it. But I have to remember all the promises in His Word. He will never leave me. He will go BEFORE me. He will go WITH me. He will provide. He will break my heart for the people I will meet and prepare their hearts to receive His goodness. I am so thankful to honestly have the most encouraging and supportive people behind me and to have a job that allows me to take this opportunity.

On the lighter side, Joseph and his mother have an "over/under" bet on how many Haitian babies I will try to bring home. Joseph's prediction is..."all of them" ha!

"And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, 'How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!'" Romans 10:15