live.

I've found myself marveling lately at the way life changes. The way things turn out ways I never would have thought or imagined. I've come to realize that my expectations are rarely right, and that my thoughts on the way a situation should play out are seldom the way it works. I'm learning to love the journeys the Lord is taking me on, and to appreciate every circumstance that is placed in my life. I am beginning to love unexpectedness, and starting to enjoy the fact that I have no clue what my life is supposed to look like. Trusting the Lord is actually becoming fun. I'm craving adventure more and more. I'm loving new experiences, and still enjoying the typical ones. I really like learning about myself and who I am...I really enjoy discovering myself as God sees me. I like listening to new music, and laying on a couch all morning talking to Jesus. These couple of weeks in my new house before school starts has allowed many opportunities to take in life in ways I've never been able to before. I've gotten to lay in bed and giggle and have all kinds of heart-to-hearts with my roommates, stay up late talking and not worry cause I have nothing to do the next day, have lots of time in the mornings to lay around and eat cereal for as long as I want. This definitely won't last...my reality will start again in a week, so I'm enjoying this for all it's worth. But you know, as someone who has always really hated change, life still changes, and it's starting to be fun. Seasons aren't forever...thank GOD! So, I guess all I'm really getting at is that I'm taking life with a grain of salt. It's way better that way.




PS.

influence.

So, this is a pretty old article, but it sums up Case pretty well I'd say. As football season begins to role around again, and all the hype starts back up again, I'd love for everyone to understand Case's heart behind it all. He's not just a football player, he's an ambassador of Christ. And for that, I love him.


http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/houston/6708259.html




in·flu·ence   –noun
1. the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others

simplicity.

welll dear friends, it's been quite a long time since I've been so excited about life. The brink of a new season is always an exciting place to be. Summer's almost over...which is insane considering it was yesterday that I was pondering what I wanted to come from this summer...right? wow.

Looking back at the way I was looking forward to this summer..I definitely wouldn't say that everything I hoped to accomplish was accomplished, or every goal I set was achieved. This summer has turned out entirely different than I would have hoped or even thought possible. I'm coming to learn the truth of Proverbs 19:21 is true..."many are the plans in a man's heart, but the Lord's purpose prevails." I haven't been learning what I thought I would, I haven't been growing like I thought I would, I haven't had the adventures I'd hoped for. But, despite all this, I am confident that the Lord's purposes have prevailed.

So, through all the emotional days of wildly pursuing Jesus, the times of searching to find the joy in the monotonous journey, and the starving moments of seemingly unending dryness that this summer has brought, the same words of Jesus resonanted in my spirit.

"My dearest Lauren, 'Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.'"
Romans 12:12-13

He's teaching me you see to be---
joyful in hoping for what seems impossible.
patient when it seems like I'm attacked from every side.
faithful in seeking to understand what stirs God's heart, and pray accordingly.
quick to give, share, and lend, trusting that the God of everything can provide.
always always always doing my best to welcome people, accept people, and compassionately love people with no reservations!


through this, my life will be radically changed.
through this, many lives will be eternally impacted.
through this, our world will never be the same.


and it's just that simple.