hope.

...i hear the voice of many angels sing:

  'worthy is the lamb'...

i.will.rise.

adventure.

Good morning.

Today I awoke not to the sound of an alarm, but to the rushing of the wind outside my window.  To the silence which is not actually silence at all, but the sound of the world turning and life being lived.

I looked out the window, expecting the blanket of clouds and rain that have been our constant companion for the past few days.  Instead I was greeted by bright blue sky and sunshine.  Walking outside to enjoy the warmth I anticipated, I was surprised to instead find wind and cold that brought tears to my eyes with its ferocity.

I loved it.

I was reminded of home.  Of cool Colorado mornings or mountain adventure evenings.  It made me feel alive.  The wind rushing across my face and the tears collecting in the corners of my eyes and the goosebumps collecting on my arms and legs made me think of starting an adventure.  And that, my friends, is what I want my life to be.  An adventure.

So here's to more days of adventure.  Of wind blowing excitement into my life.  Of cool mornings and afternoon sunlight.  

And here's to standing with heart abandoned in awe of the One who created it all.

jeffrey.

Have you ever been around someone who is so talented or so inspired or so passionate about something that his energy is contagious? I have. His name is Jeffrey Shipley, and he is one of the most talented and driven people I have ever met.  He inspires me every single day.

One of my favorite things about Jeff as an artist, (and he is an INCREDIBLE artist), is how excited he gets about the people he photographs. It’s all about them – their story, their style, the things that make them happy. Every photo shoot is original. Every experience with Jeff is different because he realizes that each one of his clients is original. Jeff loves people, and it is so apparent in the way in which he lives his life, and in the way in which he runs his business. I’ve been lucky enough to get to witness Jeff in action – doing what he loves and creating beautiful works of art for his clients. I’m inspired by his passion, his motivation, how hard he works, and how much he loves what he does. 

Plus, Jeff is just an amazingly fun person to be around.  He is one of my favorite people in the world, and the best friend anyone could dream of having.  I'm so blessed to know him!

There is so much more that I could say about Jeff, both as a professional and as a dear, dear friend, but I’ll just let him speak for himself. Check it out: 

http://jshipley.smugmug.com/gallery/7559553_V9Arx#488485115_5L2sW 

He's the BEST!!

Thank you, Jeffrey, for being a wonderful presence, friend, and inspiration in my life.  I can't wait to see what the future holds for you.

faithful.

Today was an interesting day, to say the least.

6 years ago today, one of my friends was killed in a car accident.  I spent a good amount of time today just thinking about his family and the people all over the place who miss him every day.  I know that the Father's ways are higher than our own, and that He has a rhyme and a reason for everything.  However, it still is hard for my very human head and heart to understand at moments.

Even in the midst of the melancholy today, however, I was just bathed in God's goodness.  His faithfulness was proven to me over and over again - in the smiles of strangers and the kindness of friends, all completely unaware of the reason for my subdued nature today.  I have been blessed with love today, by those who didn't even realize that they were blessing me, and while I didn't even realize I needed blessing.

I just got back from home group, which was, once again, great.  I just love so much that I get to share this time every week with Courtney, Liane, and Jeff.  The conversation that the four of us had in the car on the way tied in perfectly with the conversation our whole group ended up having.  I just feel like I am learning so much right now, and I'm being placed in the presence of people who are allowing and encouraging me to learn even more.  Today we talked a lot about fear, and the ways in which faith can help us combat fear.  Something that Jeff said really resonated with me, and I haven't been able to get it out of my head since.  Basically, he pointed out that our identity lies within Christ - we are children of the King.  If we could fully grasp and live in that fact, fear would be irrelevant, because the identity of 'Child of the King' is enough to instill ultimate confidence in us.  It's such a beautiful truth.  I am a child of the King.  Jesus Christ - the Savior of the world - loves me as His daughter.  Why do I spend so much of my life in a state of fear?  It's not the way I was meant to live.  I need to embrace my identity as daughter of the King and live a life of love and confidence.

...Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth 

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; 

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, 

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! 

Great is Thy faithfulness! 

Great is Thy faithfulness! 

Morning by morning new mercies I see. 

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; 

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!...

He is so good... 

worship.

Here is where I find myself today:

I'm finding myself at a loss for words

And the funny thing is it's okay

The last thing I need is to be heard

But to hear what You would say

Word of God speak

Would You pour down like rain

Washing my eyes to see

Your majesty

To be still and know

That You're in this place

Please let me stay and rest

In Your holiness 

Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You

Beyond the music, beyond the noise

All that I need is to be with You

And in the quiet hear Your voice

- "Word of God Speak" by Mercy Me

At church this morning, I had one of The Moments.  The kind of moment where I find myself beyond the music, beyond the message, beyond the incessant worries and distractions and simply in the Majestic Presence. Of. God.

And now...I'm finding myself at a loss for words.

But it really is okay.