Faith, Hope, and Love

At the beginning of 2015, I tried something new. I had given up resolutions many years before, and decided to try picking a word for the year instead . My word was intentional . It felt like a good word. I wanted to be more intentional about my career, and so in 2015 I pursued different opportunities to get back into writing and the editorial world. I wanted to be more intentional about my creative hobbies, like writing and photography, and so I looked at a lot of different class options and made some new contacts. I wanted to be more intentional about my relationships--mostly friendships, but also in the romance category. And so I said "yes" to things I was tempted to say "no" to, and signed up for things at church and beyond in order to get involved and meet more people. I wanted to be more intentional about my health, and did a barre class once a week for a while. And drank more water, and ate healthy in general. I wanted to be more intentional at ...

In some Christian circles, it is the "thing" to ask people their salvation story. How did you come to know the Lord? It is often on mission trip applications, volunteer forms, and it might even comes up when you're meeting your new boyfriend's friends, mentors or family. Someone, somewhere is going to ask. Tell us your testimony. This has always made me a little uncomfortable, or sometimes even rubbed me the wrong way. And then I'd feel guilt. Shouldn't I be excited to share my story? To shout from the rooftops the story of how God saved me, redeemed me, made me whole? So why do I feel a little bit of discomfort or shame when I think of my story? Of the place where I first met the Lord? It's taken me a while, but I realized it boiled down to one thing: I don't remember it.  I don't remember the day, the time, the moment where I first surrendered to His call and embraced the message of the Gospel. I grew up in a Christian home. When I w...

Well... after spending 10 days in Orlando, wrapping up my #30daysof30 took some effort. I was exhausted, but every second felt worth it and I'm so glad I had been able to go. And while not all the remaining days were as exciting, they were just as meaningful in helping me start out this new year of life in the best way possible. Day 23: Coke Float I had just flown back in from Orlando the night before and had to go straight to work. I had barely slept the whole time, so I was dragging just a little bit. But of course, there was a surprise on my desk. From sweet Jess again. And it was Inca Cola! My favorite drink from my trip to Peru last summer! And later that night, I went to my favorite ice-cream place for a coke float. All-in-all, it was a good way to come back home and keep on celebrating. Day 24: Got My Hair Did Goal... look good as a 30-year-old. So of course that means getting my hair done. My cousin came over and worked her magic on me. Day 25: When Plans...

It's so hard to blog when you are having the time of your life! The month of September was AMAZING! I literally celebrated turning 30 for all 30 days . I felt a little silly doing it sometimes. Like how self-absorbed could I be? But honestly, each day reminding me to have joy in this life that God has granted me. To be thankful for the relationships and opportunities that have been given to me. To live without abandon and enjoy both the big and the little moments. I have no clue what the rest of 2015 will bring. Or even what this 30th year will bring. But celebrating my 30 days of 30 was a great way to start it out, and I'm glad I did it. Here's the recap of what else I did! Day 8: Peter Pan Date My sweet friend and co-worker Jess started the day out with a surprise on my desk! I am not big on flowers. But purple is one of my favorite colors, and this little bouquet was such a great start to my day... which I remember not starting out so great. I remember start...

Eight days left of my 30 days of 30... and I have NOT been good and blogged about it as promised. But it's not over yet, so... let's start with the first week! When I came up with this idea last year, it was really just a dream. And then I started to really envision it and in August decided I'd make it a reality! And it has been so much fun. Day 1: Sept 1st (My actual 30th birthday) I woke up and wore blue (a tradition I began when I turned 13. My birthstone is a sapphire, so I always wear sapphire blue on my birthday). Got chauffeured to work, received tons of cards, notes, flowers, cupcakes, an edible arrangements... and then ended the day at the Pentatonix and Kelly Clarkson concert!!!!! It was sooo much fun. And I stayed out way too late... but I was happy.  Day 2: Absolutely exhausted and was a zombie at work, but somehow I made it through. I got more notes from kids. Wednesdays are our short day at school, but I had to go to Course Leader PD afterw...

In three days, I turn 30. The Big 3-0. I used to dread approaching that number. It would mean I was old. I was past my prime. All the fun in life should be over and done, and I should be a settle, responsible adult with a husband, at least four (of my imagined six) kids thriving and absolutely no pets. And not that I imagined that life would be bad--it would still be an adventure. But not the same fun, flirty and free type of adventure that your 20's are for. It also didn't help that as I approached 30, I was still single with no prospects, still had no clue what I wanted to be when I "grew up" and just felt lost in general . Twenty-five was the year I was most excited for. In reflection, I'm not sure why. It's not like 16, when you can finally drive a car by yourself (even if it's a hand-me down from your cousin). Or not like 18, when you become an "official adult." Or even 21, when you can finally drink (which I actually waited to do...

I've started to think about them often-- Beatrice and Scovia . They are the two Esther Home Girls that are sponsored through IF: Gathering and who I'll get to meet when I'm in Rwanda in July . I don't remember if I gave to the campaign that allowed their dreams to go to college possible, and so I've browsed through the small profiles/update we've been given , hoping to come up with gifts that can bring with me. Maybe a scarf? Or a set of my favorite colored pens? Maybe those things would be too small, too trivial? I don't know. And then I hear insecurity whisper: Maybe everything you have to offer will be too small, too trivial. Not just to the girls, but on the whole trip. And I tremble with fear. By nature, I am a pretty cautious person. I don't like to take risks, and any adventures I embark on are generally strongly vetted (or are only adventures because I finally decided to actually step outside  my home). But God has been nudging me...