September 29th

Fall

My brother makes fun of the remarkable fascination that girls tend to have with the autumn season. Chris sarcastically quotes, “OMG, I love fall weather! Hoodies, boots, and bonfires!!” This reasoning is rightfully justified. Simply log into any social media venue and check it for yourself. But you know, I’m more than okay with it. In fact, I myself am indulging.

My mom and I went for a gorgeous little hike at Brandywine Creek State Park last weekend. Vast, rolling fields of golden rod and ancient, changing oak trees that have been lingering since the time of the Lenape Indians in Delaware. Late in the afternoon, we headed to Trader Joe’s for some necessary groceries. Pasta, limes, sweet potatoes, red onions, and other typical things filled the cart with the added pleasure of some fall-esque items that my mom graciously let me toss in as well. Pumpkin pancake mix, pumpkin bread mix, AND pumpkin spiced coffee grounds. All three come highly recommended by my family.

On Love

I get weird when I talk about love. I could forever talk about the greatest Love, the love of Jesus. When it comes to Shakespeare’s unrequited love, I’m not too familiar. I only know what I’ve seen in movies, read in books, learned from hearsay. But now, another source has been thrown in the mix. My sister has fallen in love. And oh, she’s fallen hard. She and Nick are incredible together and their relationship has opened my eyes a little wider. I’ve seen many friends fall in love, get married, have kids. I can honestly say that seeing my sister in this boat turns the tables. It’s really real. I wish I could elaborate a little more. I’ll just say that they are perfect for each other, for they are one another’s best friends. And let me be honest once again…it gives me hope…hope that if and when I get married, it won’t be to anyone less than my best friend.

Endeavoring

My friend Kelley once gave me a piece of advice that I often reflect upon. I’ve been thinking about it even more since I’ve had ample downtime as of late. She suggested writing down all the things I would do if I had the time or means to do them. Of course, taping that piece of paper on your mirror or the back of your bedroom door is a must. Random spare time gives way to tackling these items. I’ve been thinking about the things that I would now put on that list…

Conserving Passion

I’ve felt a bit complacent since being home. I’ve been talking to God, digging into the Word, worshipping, spending time with people who I immensely love. But I guess it’s a given. I was overseas, ministering for a year. My world was broadened and I gained immense perspective. I’m back to the place where I started. I’m physically in this place, trying to live with that broadened perspective. It takes a whole lot of humility and listening to the Holy Spirit. Biting my tongue. Examining the deeper issues. I’ve seen the least, the poor, and the enslaved. I almost feel guilty for being here. I’m not helping them. But I desperately need to be  right here for reasons that I know and for others that I don’t comprehend. Seasons…

Sharpening Iron

I have superb friends. God definitely loves me through my friends. They somehow seem intrigued by my minuscule life. They are interested in being a part of it…pouring into me and allowing me to spout off some things back at them. I could list examples, give names, tell their stories. Thank you, ALL of you. You guys are helping me to move forward, inspiring me to keep my eyes focused on the Kingdom that is at hand.

And well, my sweaters and boots are still in Colorado. It’s not too disappointing because I’m headed out there in just a few days to be reunited with them and some people I’ve dearly been missing. Colorado…it’s been a good while since I’ve stepped foot in that majestic state. I’m leery to go back because I am uncertain of how long I will remain. I still don’t love change. I’m still learning to love it…just like last year and the year before that one. There are factors that life has dealt. These factors make the near future unknown. But, I must return joyfully knowing that He has determined my steps (Proverbs 16:9).

He is unchanging STILL.

The roots are deep. Experience is underway. There is more to see. There is more to do. The roots will go deeper. Future experiences will surpass the former. Ultimately, this LOVE will grow stronger.

“Take me anywhere, Jesus.”

One should know that I’ve been listening to Mumford’s Babel while writing these snippets along with 90 percent of the world’s cognizant young-ish people. How could I not? Those lads have some impressive boots.

Good morning.

Not Too Far Gone

Goodness, I’ll never grasp it. But I believe in it!

I’ve heard it time and again that He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) I’ve clung to the vision that His grace is [beyond] sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) I know that we are more than conquerors through Him who [radically] loves us. (Romans 8:37) I believe these things with all of my being. Since I’ve seen them in motion in my life as well as in the lives of thousands of others, I have to believe them. The vast array of scenarios in which these things are played out astounds me.

As I learned of another redemption story this morning, my mind yet again is unable to comprehend His love.

Credit: A Well Traveled Woman

I read a blog from a mutual friend who has had it pretty rough…more awful than most. At an unconceivable age, she was molested by both her uncle and grandfather. In turn, she too mistreated others in this way. From drugs, being sexually abused at a young age, and divorce, her life was seemingly worthless. But she’s far from worthless. Yes, she’s had unruly occurrences and has also performed appalling acts. But somehow, her being is anything but appalling to the Father. She’s experienced His grace and is forever transformed.

There are stories of people in entrapment that I can’t help but reflect upon, both large and small. They are stories of men in prison. A young woman who struggles with her temper. Another young woman battling homosexuality. A little boy who cries over his lies. A pastor who has fallen deep into secret temptation. A mother who allows her adult children to trample over her.

These words are more than an attempt at making you and I feel better about ourselves. It simply can’t be about seeing the faults of others, and eluding that we have at least done things a little better.

We’re distorted human beings…all of us. Horrific things happen to many of us. Every one of us screws up in one sense or another. We never cease to mess things up. I spouted off more than a few smart and unnecessary  comments to my sister this morning (and before church, at that). I’ve been far less than a great friend as of late…keeping to myself and sulking in my circumstances. No, not as bad, but yes…just as bad. Folks often disappoint me and I am confident that I do the same. The scale…we often measure. We must stop measuring. We must stop judging.

People . . .

Credit: Travel The Road

Credit: Astrid Sky

I must be honest…

I’m broken.

Yes, I’m distraught that so many are living in bondage. I’m also in shambles about the lack of love. And I’m not speaking of tolerance or even acts of kindness. I’m talking about that Love that only comes from the Savior, Creator…Yaweh.

I’m sick of the judgement. And I’ve been in on it in the past. I still process through it at times…

There are so many “if’s,” but’s,” and “what if’s” that could maybe be  justified when it comes the states of other people…

He’s a pastor…he shouldn’t be looking at porn.

She should find a more respectable job…even if it means making minimum wage.

How could she scream at her kids in that way?

He keeps falling back on that heroin over and over again.

She has had children with three different guys.

She is so worried about what people think.

These statements are true in many cases. It shouldn’t matter.

Men, women, and children are being redeemed everywhere. These people can be redeemed as well.

I don’t want to be a sympathizing mat that people trample upon. I want to stand up for truth. I don’t want to compromise ungodliness.

I just know that every single person is undeniably loved by their Creator. In fact, the Father loves them just as much as He loves me. The prostitute, the politician, the misfit, yes…and that guy wearing the red polo who was standing behind me in line at World Cafe Live three nights ago. If He loves them as much as He loves me, they’re never too far gone.

After all, grace is a gift…it’s not earned, right? (Ephesians 2:8)

FREEDOM.

We’re desperate for grace, and it’s available. We must capture it and dispel.

And so this is what I’ve been thinking about. I’ve been thinking about people and seeing them in a new Light…the one that the Father casts. I so badly want people to know this Love and walk in freedom…freedom from these things. It’s possible, my friends!

Lastly, here is a video that has encouraged me and enriched my train of thought toward all of this. Credit is due to my awesome brother.