Rooted in Assurance

  I admit it, every Monday I sit down with my roommates and watch The Bachelor. I'm not going to shame anyone for watching it; but I think we can be honest with ourselves and each other. What does it say about us that this is entertainment? That love is literally nothing but a game? That's not what I want, not for myself, for my friends, or my family. It's heartbreaking. These girls and guys are seeking satisfaction from something/someone who can never give it to them. I can't help but ponder Raven's words after Nick sent her home:   "He was everything I want, but it still wasn't enough. What could I do differently? Is it just that no one can feel that way about me? I wish more than anything I could just find love, but I don't know if it's even possible. Why even look for something that's not possible?" Of course Nick's words didn't help. "I love you, but I'm just not sure I'm in love with you." Dude, that...

      November 14, 2016, at 1:27 AM my family welcomed my sweet niece, Aurora "Rory" Paige into the world, and God blessed us with two amazing weeks with our warrior princess . To God's glory, we are still witnessing the impact her life had on those around her.   I can't speak for the rest of my family or our friends and the lessons they learned from this beautiful girl, but I can share what God has laid on my heart during this time.   Rory was a fighter, our miracle, overcoming what seemed like insurmountable odds. You see, not only was she premature at 31 weeks (and just 1 lb 15 oz), but my niece was diagnosed with a rare disease known as Trisomy 18, or Edwards Syndrome. Rory was born with an extra chromosome, much like Down Syndrome, except, for our tiny warrior, this meant that her organs did not form as they should. This is a rare, and random, genetic defect caused by meiotic disjunction, a problem in cell division.   There was nothing that cou...

"Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh; Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear --  To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh; Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer." --George Croly      "W-A-L-K." Even just spelling it got Maggie's tail wagging, which of course caused her whole body to shake. At first glance, one might mistake the little pup for a rodent. However, she was greatly loved by Solomon, her owner and adopted father. Like any parent, he provided discipline when needed, but mostly gentle care and love. At times, it was difficult for Maggie to understand why Solomon responded with anger towards her; she thought she was being helpful when she brought all of his shoes downstairs for him. Overall though, the bond the two shared was iron-tight.      And so, as part of their beloved morning ritual, the two went on a "W-A-L-K" to the front of the charming southern neighborhood and back.  As the two meandered along t...

"She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." -Proverbs 31:25-26   As a woman, this passage from Proverbs is both convicting and encouraging. It is a reminder of who I am meant to be as a daughter of the King. It reminds me that God is not done with me yet, he is still changing me and making me more like him. I am not perfect, I certainly don't have everything figured out or put together. I am not writing this because I've somehow cracked the mystery of life, but because I want to share the incredible lessons I've learned from others about our Creator's character and the intricate way he designed each of us. I also want to stress that we are not imperfect because of a flaw in the Creator, or His plan, but because of our sin, that He graciously rescues us from, thoroughly dealing with our pasts and making us new.    While we are human ...

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away.  Behold, the new has come!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17    We don't have to be slaves to our past mistakes. We don't have to be products of our environment. We are not chained to our sinful and broken natures. Your chains may be your sins. Maybe you have made mistakes you think are too terrible to ever come back from, you may think they are your identity and it is all you will ever do. It might be your family, you may come from a long line of alcoholics and you may think that is all you will be too. Maybe you have suffered in ways no one ever should, that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy.  It will look different for everyone, but we are all a little broken.   But we don't have to allow that to be our story, God offers so much more than the mess we come from. "Thus says the Lord.. Do not call to mind former things or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do s...

"Bring your brokenness, and I'll bring mine, 'cause love can heal what hurt divides, and mercy's waiting on the other side, if we're honest." -Francesca Battistelli I drive all the time. I made a poor life choice when I decided to commute to the University of Georgia this semester, I admit it. However, one of my favorite parts of the day is my early morning commute to school. I watch the sun rise over the mountains of Georgia, and listen to Nancy Leigh Demoss (Wolgemuth), other podcasts, and music. This gives me the time I need away from the world, to think. Now, that can be a dangerous thing for me, because I am one of those people who loves to overthink and overanalyze. Then, a beautiful song or words of truth remind me who I belong to and all that really matters. About a week ago, I had one of those moments. I was feeling overwhelmed with life, with the uncertainty of the future. Then, a lot like a sucker punch, three songs reminded me of...

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2 As I sit in my living room at 4:00 in the morning contemplating the events of the last several hours, I feel peace. Many of my friends will question how that can be. My point is not to share my political beliefs either, those don't matter. My hope is not in things of this world, my hope is not in a political candidate. I have hope and trust in someone far greater than that. Y'all, God is in control, He is sovereign. This election was already in His hands, as is every election to come and every election that has come. If you have a personal relationship with God, this pettiness on social media and complaining needs to stop. Regardless of who won we need to be in prayer for our leadership. Can you imagine the change that could be affected in your community if you were as passionate for Christ as you are for a political party? I see believers weeping over this election. Are you weeping o...