Only

This past week I was in an intensive at Asbury that I would say could very well be my fav class Ive taken so far in seminary. It was "Family Development: Discipleship and the Home" - and wow...I've walked away a different person. I pray that the things I learned not only sparked an excitement of having my own family one day but that the seeds of discipleship and love will be sown in my heart and will continue to cultivate while the Lord prepares me for the amazing future he has set before me.

We talked about many things: birth order, intimacy, parents, adolescence, marriage, relationships, church, children's ministry, rules, homes, the trinity within a family - people shared real and raw things and it was such a blessing to be around such different walks of life. We ranged in age and our own experiences were different and I believe that helped me realize that not everyone experiences the same things - but we must realize that every decision made (by us or others) affects who we are. I thank God for his mercy, grace, and unconditional love. It amazes me to see how God has truly changed people's lives. Glory!

We talked about the creation story one day in class and really broke down chapters 1- 3. Something that really stirred my spirit was when we came to the passage Genesis 2:18.

"The Lord God said, "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Genesis 2:18

Did you know that the word "alone" translated in the Greek text is kratos? This word means only.

Did you know that the word "alone" translated in the Hebrew text is echad? This word also means only or one.

How interesting. "It is not good for man to be only."

Perhaps this means that Adam wasn't lonely after all and that he wasn't implying that his relationship with God wasn't enough - but that he was unable to multiply and he needed someone else in order to do so. If you go back and read the creation story you are able to paint a picture of all God created - skies, waters, seas, creatures, plants, animals, stars - everything in multitude.

When you think you have everything figured out or that you are going to conquer the world by yourself - I encourage you to rethink your strategy. We cannot and will not advance the kingdom by ourselves. We must work together - alongside one another - in order to run the race and share the gospel with more and more people. I am so thankful to have been reminded of this.

May you bring glory to the kingdom with your brothers and sisters and may His kingdom be multipled!

Family

Okay so we had an assignment in class to create our family out of tinfoil. Needless to say it was hilarious. I decided to use symbols to represent each one...enjoy:

Momma- halo. needs to explanation.
Daddy Johnny- tv. needs no explanation either.
Cori- heart. she has one of the biggest and purest hearts i have ever seen.
Taylor - money. he is such a steward of what God has given him. his passion for generosity is contagious.
Samuel- guitar. he has such a love for worship and is so talented.
Cara- basketball and drum sticks. the girl is talented. and everything she does she worships God and gives Him all the glory.
Becky- book. she loves to read and i love sharing books with her.
Daddy Mike- fishing pole. he loves the outdoors and my favorite thing to do with him is go fishing...we have had some amazing talks together on our fishing trips about family, memories, and questions about God.
* I ran out of time to create my sister Tricias symbol but if I did it would def be a rock. She is one of the strongest women I know.

Here are some things my class came up with that links one to family: biologically linked, mutual care, close proximity, strength & frustration, provision/heritage, religious affiliation, marriage, birth, adoption, idenity drawn from within structure, cohesive community...

How would you define family?

It is only day two in this class and already it has blown my mind. I have listened to people in the class speak about their families with such passion, excitement, frustration, sadness, hope, trust, service...and it has been such a blessing. As christians we believe that our family is larger than just within the biological context...it is so much bigger than that. Not only are friends family but even complete strangers..how beautiful.

I am a part of the largest family. YOU are a part of the largest family.

God's family.

How Do You Know?

I went to see "How Do You Know" tonight with some friends from Northstar and let's just say this: I'll take the company any day but as for the movie....I would

not pay to see it again. Reese was a rockstar as always. Shes so adorable. It was funny seeing her try to act like an athlete...she is such a girl. Reminds me a lot of myself. I can pretend all day long but let's get serious I love shopping, love movies, the color pink, and the good Lord. Caleb is my sports junkie...I let him teach me everything he knows and I just enjoy cuddling up next to him while he yells and screams and somehow believes that his "boys" will hear him. Oh the things you do when youre in love...

So how do you know when youre in love? I used to think it was little things like spending your entire pay check on them - wearing their favorite color - listening to the music they like most - going to bed after talking for hours and waking up just to repeat it all over again - having cute knicknames - talking about them non stop - writing them letters - butterflies in the tummy - naming all of yours kids - cancelling plans just to be with them - you know..the usual. But let me tell you something...Ive slowly learned that true love is so much more.

Ive experienced heartbreak...let downs...what ifs...could have beens and to be honest my track record makes me look hopeless for a fairytale. But I serve a God who loves me, who knows me, who designed my heart the way it is and I believe without a shadow of a doubt I will have a happily ever after. Caleb and I have been through a lot but one thing he has shown me is that God is faithful, God is true, and God is love. So how do I know that I love him? God's word has come true in my own life.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

I am so thankful to know a love like this. May you never settle until you experience the same. God's love is unlike any other. It's unconditional and true.

I believe

Waiting

This semester has been unreal. I think about when I drove back up here in August and how I thought to myself "Geez..things are so much different than they were a year ago." Not only were things different..but I had grown so much. They say seminary is hard academically but what one doesnt realize is how difficult it is emotionally. The Lord sure takes you on a journey...but for that I am thankful. I have laughed, cried, screamed, fallen, stood tall, sang, danced, stretched, worked hard, played, and made memories upon memories that I will always hold dear. I have a year left and I am well aware that this year will fly. Its hard to believe that I have already been here for a year and a half. Wow. If I could share something the Lord has really taught me about is the beauty of waiting.

What does it look like to wait? Why do we have to wait?

If you read the good book the Lord uses waiting with many of his people. Sarah and Abraham waited for years for a child. Mary and Joseph waited on God's faithfulness. Jonah waited in the belly of a fish.

AND THE WAITING BROUGHT BLESSINGS BEYOND BELIEF. So why are we so scared to wait? What happens in the unknown? What happens in the quiet?

I am so very thankful for this lesson. Gosh...to see the Lords faithfulness and promises fulfilled is such a beautiful thing. I challenge you, when the Lord is calling you to a season of waiting, to PRAISE THE LORD! Some powerful people in the Bible experienced waiting.

I am thankful that the Lord still stretches us in the same ways he did hundreds of years ago. He is faithful.

Apple Pie

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving was so amazing this year. We spent it with The Carriers in Jacksonville and man all I can say is my heart is happy. You know...I have probably the most amazing family in the world. I am so thankful to be blessed with a family of believers who understand what it means to be thankful and live to love and encourage others! I'll admit my pants are hurting me...haha but a few good runs and awesome abs and I will be back to feelin good in no time :)

Juicy and I made our annual Apple Pies Thanksgiving morning. Theyre to die for I must say. At least I can cook something :)

I cannot believe that December will be here in one day! Oh my goodness :) I am excited...I love the holidays. As Advent has begun I am reminded of the journey we are embarking when worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ! May he be glorified during this season of joy, love, and hope! Love you all!

Feels Like Home to Me

It's hard for me to believe that after Thanksgiving break I will have about 3 weeks of school left in Kentucky. After careful prayer, guidance, and obedience I have deicided to move home after this semester. With my precious Aunt Deedy being sick and everything going on..I just can't see myself being 11 hrs away from my family when I don't have to be. So...starting Spring semester I will be an online student and I will graduate next December! Crazy to think that by this time next year..I will have my Masters in Christian Education. Man...God is so good.

I have to admit this has been one of the hardest months of my life. So many decisions have been placed before me but even as I write this I have a huge smile on my face. I know without a doubt I have made the right decision for myself and God has given me a ridiculous amount of joy it is unreal. I cant even be sad because my heart is so happy. And it hasnt felt this kind of happiness in a long time.

Word on the street says that online classes for ATS are ridiculously hard...but I am excited and ready to take on the challenge. I have learned so much here and am so blessed by this community. It is so rich.

To look back on my life in the past few years has been incredible. The Lord has introduced me to so many people and I have been blessed by all of them. I look forward to the people I will come to know and love during this new season in my life.

To know God is to love God and there is no doubt that I love the Lord with all of my heart and soul. Joyful. This girl is full of joy. :)

Headed home Friday and then Jax for Thanksgiving! FAMILY TIMEEEE!