joy.

it's been far too long since i last posted. i am easily carried away by living, and very seldom have the willpower to pause and reflect. (this is something i desire to learn: to incorporate a pattern of stillness in my otherwise noisy, busy life. 'be still and know that I AM GOD.')


i have frequently experienced a day, a miracle, or a moment of revelation that inspired the urge to write, but it seems i was quickly preoccupied with alternative tasks, keeping me from sending my thoughts into space. therefore, i have resolved to be more intentional about writing. i've discovered in reading the daily thoughts, observations and epiphanies of others, my walk is profoundly affected. i'm praying that Jesus uses the words He gives me to speak into the lives of my friends.


i have mentioned before that the Spirit has lately been impressing upon me the importance of remembering. i find this to be more true the longer i live in pursuit of Heaven. the power of remembrance - and simply speaking out the blessings of the Father - is undeniable. each gift is experienced again (and often more poignantly) as i share the stories of my Savior's love. with that in mind, here are a few recent experiences that have blessed me:


*God's obvious direction in my life. never before have i experienced such certainty in deciding where i'm headed...and in this case, where i'm NOT headed. Jesus is doing something big in grand rapids, michigan, and has made it abundantly clear that I am to be a part of it. how flipping exciting.


*fellowship beyond compare. not only has He plunged me into a group of beautiful, wonderful, inspiring and devoted friends, but i was also blessed with a visit from 6 people who journeyed the last year with me. kristi, skye, phil, katy, kenny and beau traveled many collective miles to reunite with emrie and me in grand rapids! the result was unbelievable encouragement, fellowship in the Spirit, and plain old FUN. life is more full when it is shared with like-minded companions.

*His Holy presence. every week we participate in a shift at a local 24/7 prayer house. sunday mornings from 12-3am consistently find a group of us in prayer and worship together on bridge street. it is an enormous blessing in my walk, and our community is already beginning to see the fruit of time spent solely in pursuit of fellowship with Jesus. He has faithfully shown up in powerful ways, and i am constantly aware of His comforting presence, even in my every-day living. the mundane has been transformed by the JOY of His companionship.


there is so much more, but i'll save some for my next post...which WILL show up soon. grace and peace.