Are you thirsty?

"When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water. 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?” 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”

John 4:7-15

A few days ago I had my camera out and was taking some pictures. I have only used my camera twice since being here so I am trying to take some pictures to help capture the moments that are forever etched on my heart. As I was walking around just taking pictures of the kids in action I came across this sweet precious little girl drinking from the sink. She was so thirsty. All she wanted was some water to quench her thirst. I immediately was reminded of the Samaritan woman's encounter with Jesus at the well. Jesus was sitting there and this woman came to draw water from the well, but Jesus wanted her to draw water from Him. True living water. Not water that won't quench her thirst but everlasting water. He told her that whoever drinks the water He gives will never thirst again. It will become a "spring of water welling up to eternal life."

As I sat there and watched Daphka drink from this water this image of Jesus and the Samaritan woman just kept playing over in my mind. I wanted so much to tell her about this living water that Jesus offers. I began to talk to her and tell her what I could in a way that she could understand. I don't think she had a clue what I was saying but it is my heart's desire for these kids to grow up knowing that only Jesus can satisfy their thirst. I believe that they are learning and know the truth. I am right in the middle of a dark place where people have no water, where they are so thirsty for something to drink. It is so hot here and I know that the people are extremely thirsty. Oh how my heart desires for them to know about the water that will make them thirst no more. When they drink from Him they will thirst no more. I think this moment will forever be etched on my heart as I am motivated and encouraged to continue to tell others about this living water. How good is it to know and believe in my heart that I drink living water that satisfies and that won't run dry. May you to be encouraged to share with others about the living water you drink from.

Wherever you are on your journey if you are thirsty and seeking something to satisfy I challenge you to drink from the well that won't run dry, Jesus. That you will turn to Him in your time or season of being thirsty. It is the most satisfying feeling in the world. He never runs dry. He satisfies His thirsty child. May you continue to seek and trust that He is the giver of life and of all good things.

As I was writing this I was reminded of a song by Kristian Stanfill called "Spring of Life." Here are the lyrics below:

"Spring of Life"

In this life we will find
We will be yearning
In this life we will find
The world won’t satisfy
In this life we will find
That we will be empty
Without you

Jesus you’re the well
That won’t run dry
Jesus you’re the drink
That satisfies
Living water spring of life
Jesus you’re the well
That won’t run dry

In this life we will find
We will be searching
In this life we will find
The world won’t satisfy
In this life we will find
That we will be hopeless
Without you

Jesus you’re the well
That won’t run dry
Jesus you’re the drink
That satisfies
Living water spring of life
Jesus you’re the well
That won’t run dry

We will thirst no more thirst no more
When we drink from you drink from you
We will search no more search no more
When we drink from you drink from you

My heart is filled with joy!

What an incredible journey it has been so far here in Haiti. Every single moment of every day is a blessing to me. First of all the community of people I'm surrounded by is amazing. I would not be doing this well if it weren't for them. So thank you Heather, Sarah, Adam, and Kyle! It is a true blessing to walk with each of these brothers and sisters. My heart is full of joy. Currently we are all reading through 2 Timothy together and we meet once a week to discuss that. Some of us are also reading Francis Chan's new book, "Erasing Hell." We meet every few days to discuss what we are reading, learning, have questions about, etc. It's a joy!

This last week has been great! Very slow paced and relaxing. I didn't realize how burnt out I was before coming here. Living a face paced life of go, go, go back at ho,e was starting to really wear me down. A few verses I have been clinging to is Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” I think in my first week or so here the Lord has truly given me rest. It has been beautiful and very refreshing. I have really been diving into the word, writing a lot, and allowing myself to be fed. I am grateful for God's faithfulness during this time of rest, He has given me more than I could ask for or even imagine. It's crazy how in the midst of the craziness around me I can just be still and know that He is God. I came here with no expectations really and God has already done some amazing things in my heart. I'm really looking forward to this week and what God has in store for me. I am ready to serve and to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around me.

The kids, wow, wow, wow. They have my heart! So when I was here in June I really only bonded with a few kids. There were so many people on our team that there was a lot of love to go around. I have really enjoyed being here with very few people to be with the kids. I have been spending a lot of time with my girl Islande as she has a piece of my heart. She has been so much fun to play with and spend time with. Throughout the day I really try to divide my time up with a lot of the other kids as well. I am starting to get to know some of the older girls and some of the boys as well. One of my favorite times of the day is at night when we have devotions with the kids. Devotions consist of a lot of praise and worship music and then closing with prayer. It melts my hear to hear all of these beautiful Haitian children singing out loud that "Our God saves and that He is the lover of their souls" those are two of my favorite songs to hear them sing. Almost every night Islande falls asleep in my arms and I get to put her to bed. This is one of the sweetest feelings in the world. It's priceless. After that I usually hang out with the kids and then tell them all goodnight one by one. Then head to my room or to hang with my friends! It's a perfect ending to our beautiful days here.

I know this is a long post but I have saved the best and most amazing moment for last!

Something happened last Sunday morning at Children's church and then again this Sunday morning that will forever be etched on my heart. It was one of the sweetest and humbling things to watch. We had just wrapped up teaching the kids and we were all having goldfish and juice. Only about 5 of the handicap children come to children's church and most of them are able to feed themselves, except Fon Fon. She was sitting there in her wheelchair and her goldfish were in her lap. I looked over and one by one little Pablo who is around 6 or 7 was feeding her. Then, after a few goldfish he would give her a few sips of her juice. He was eating his food in-between feeding her, it was truly a beautiful picture of the words Jesus said when He said, "love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 19:19b. Pablo reminded me and those around that we are to love others unconditionally, regardless of what they look like, how they act, or if they are different than us. It was a gentle reminder and a beautiful picture that I will never forget. I love the way the older kids and other kids car for the handicap children. It is so sweet to watch and beautiful. May these pictures help you see the moment that is forever etched on my heart!









Peace. Blessings. And grace!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Cazeau,Port-au-Prince,Haiti

Just the beginning...

What an amazing day we had on Saturday! We went and hung out with some Americans who are living in Haiti full-time. We went to the Caribbean lodge and relaxed, ate lunch, swam, caught up on emails. It was nice to relax and just enjoy the afternoon! Then we went to an event for an orphanage. There is a girl here named Julie who has helped haitians become sufficient and they hand craft sandals, neckless's, bracelet's, small pottery, and other things that make great gifts or things to remember Haiti by. This is a way for the Haitians to be self reliant instead of relying on others! The kids got up and sang and had a dance party and that was so sweet. It was a really good day overall. Also, I'm learning that in Haiti I don't have a lot of energy. So, saturday was nice. It's been a slow journey so far as we are getting settled in and just learning how things run around here. Next week we will probably get started on helping around the orphanage.





On Sunday we had church at new life with the kids. Heather, who has been here for a while has been teaching children's church but she has been feeling sick so she asked me to teach. Sarah helped me with translating and such. I told the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. It was really a great experience. I used some goldfish and rocks to represent the the fish and loaves. The kids were very well behaved and after the story we asked the kids to repeat to us and a lot of them were able to help tell the story. It was a lot different than church at HCC but it was amazing! Loved it!




After church we went to Stephanie's parents beach house! It was so much fun! The house was beautiful and we loved just hanging out and relaxing. We did some swimming and snorkeling. We saw a ton of jelly fish so I was a little hesitant about getting in the water. I loved hanging out there and spending time with my new friends! I'm really enjoying my time here so far and cannot wait to see what God has in store for me while I'm here!





Every night the kids have devotions at 7:00. This is probably one of my highlights each and every day. It is so sweet to hear the kids at the orphanage singing praise and worship to our Father. Last night we sang "Jesus Lover of my Soul" and it was probably the sweetest moment since I've been here. They kids sang there hearts out. Some closed their eyes and worship, some lifted their hands in worship, and others just sang with everything they had. It was definitely true worship and I love that I get to experience that every night! What a blessing!

On Monday I went with Kyle and Tara to the deaf community project that the 410 Bridge is working with. What a complete blessing this was. WOW!! I learned today how beautiful the language of sign is. And it motivates me to want to learn it so badly. As I sat there and watched Tara interact with the people in the deaf community it was truly BEAUTIFUL. I am really looking forward to possibly spending some time there and really investing in the people there and learning their language and culture. I think it will be good for me to see other parts of Haiti than just New Life!






Tonight we are going to dinner with Tara and some friends as her send off party. She is leaving for Austraila to visit a friend for a month! I'm gonna miss having her in Haiti but excited for her adventure!



So, there is the update for my first few days in Haiti. Since we have not had Internet I have just been typing up some stuff from each day on my iPad. We are currently at the carribbean lodge having lunch and using the Internet!

OH Haiti!

Well, we are here and my heart is so happy! It has been a great start so far! Adam and I are getting settled in and loving it! It is so great to be back here and be with all these sweet precious children. Most of the kids that I connected with remembered me and it is so great to be back with them. Things are kind of calm at New Life right now as there is only one team of 6 people from Canada there. There are three people that live there right now Heather, Kyle, and Sarah. They are all from America and really great. Heather is adopting a little guy named John from the orphanage, Kyle works for the 410 bridge, and Sarah is on staff with New Life! We do not have internet where we are staying right now and not sure how long it will be out. I will try to update whenever I can. Right now we are hanging out with Kyle and Tara(who also works for the 410 bridge) at a lodge! We are hanging here for the afternoon and will head back to new life in a little bit! Please continue to pray for Adam and I as we continue to get settled in here! Thanks so much! Will update whenever I can!

Peace and blessings!!!

It's almost time!

Wow...I cannot believe that in a little less than two weeks I will be heading to Haiti. I am getting very excited about to opportunity to go and make a difference there. Myself, along with Adam Fevella will be heading to Haiti for 5 weeks on august 25. I am currently talking to some folks about the possibility to stay longer and serve there for a little while. It has been an incredible journey so far and am excited for what God has in store. He has provided everything I need to go and so much more. I am going to try to blog often so you guys can be up to date with what is going on there. Thank you to all of you who have supported me in this mission and to those of you who have stood beside me and encouraged, prayed for, and challenged in the process. Greater things are yet to come....


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Mud Bridge Rd,Fayetteville,United States

The Place That has my heart!

Well, it has been a week since I've been home from Haiti and I have finally had some time to begin to processing the trip and what God did in my heart. What an incredible trip this was for me. As the church announced the trips they were taking this summer, I began to pray about which trip God wanted me to go on. My hearts desire was to go to Peru or Africa. I kept praying, "Lord, please take me to Peru or Africa because I really don't want to go to Haiti." As I continued to pray I really felt the Lord calling me to go to Haiti. I really wrestled with this because there was nothing in me that wanted to go to Haiti. I was scared and nervous for what I would see, experience, and feel. Little did I know that God would forever change me. So, I will do my very best to help you capture what I experienced. The memories are forever etched on my heart and I want to write them here so that you can get a glimpse of the sovereignty of God.

"Look at the nations and watch--and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days, that you would not believe, even if you were told." Habakkuk 1:5

As I was getting ready to leave for Haiti this verse was embedded on my heart. I don't have the words to express the oppression and darkness I felt when we drove through the streets. I literally felt like I was going to throw up. I couldn't even look out the window anymore and at that moment I thought to myself "How in the world can I even begin to make a difference in a nation that worships satan?" As we drove to New Life Children's Home my heart continued to break for the devastation I saw all around me. The moment we pulled into New Life Children's Home my heart began to feel hope. If I could describe to you the difference from outside the walls to inside that place I would, but I am at a loss for words. I saw green grass, bright colors, and a ton of smiles on the kids faces as our bus pulled in. It was a little piece of Heaven right in the middle of Haiti. Then, I saw a face that changed my life forever. Her name is Islande. She was really shy at first, but after a little while she began to warm up to me and God formed a special bond between and we were inseparable all week. I could sit here and go on and on about her! She was precious to me and there was something about her that just captured my heart! She is around 3 years of age and they are unsure if her parents are still alive. She didn't speak my english so the only way I could speak to her was with LOVE. I learned and saw firsthand the power of love. It is amazing what a smile can do for the heart. I saw her personality change as the days went on. She greeted me with a smile every day! "Everyone smiles in the same language. And for that, I am so thankful." Hope In the Dark

Throughout the week we all had various tasks to serve at New Life. The men had the task of putting on a new roof for the church. The women helped tutor kids, paint benches, organize closets, add artwork around the compound, and play with all the kid. It was so amazing to just do all kinds of things to help out around there and bring a new fresh look to the place. One tuesday, wednesday, and thursday we all had to opportunity to go and lead VBS in a tent city close by! What an eye opening experience this was. The first day was a little tough but we began to cover the place and our time in prayer and the Lord blessed that. It was crazy to see how different the kids are outside of the orphanage. The kids outside the walls live in "survival of the fittest" mode. They wanted everything we had! Some of them looked like they hadn't bathed in days and some had no shoes nor had they eaten recently. It was a blessing to us to get to go in and share the love of Christ with them and spend some time talking about what an incredible God we have! You could feel the darkness there but I know that we either planted a seed in those kids or we either watered one that was already planted.

One thing that I have to share about is one of the people we met while we were there. We met a lot of really cool, talented, and loving people. Some lived there, some were on staff with Mission Discovery, and some just joined us for a week to serve others! But this lady I must tell you about is Miriam Frederick! She is truly a HERO in Haiti. Her heart is huge and she longs to serve the Lord and make a difference. I think I can speak for everyone when I say she made an impact on each of us. I love her compassion to serve others and her desire to walk in the Spirit. One day she took myself, Meghan, Jodie, Denise, Nick and Ali(Mission Discovery peeps) to a new home she just got. She is moving kids from the tent city orphanage to a home. We went and painted the house to help get it ready for the kids to move in. Miriam really wanted to take us to the other orphanage, but it didn't work out that day. A few days later we found out that some of us were gonna go to the tent city orphanage. I was so excited to go and see these kids and tell them all about the house. When we pulled up to the orphanage tears started to stream down my face as I saw the conditions in which these kids were living in. My heart broke but there was a sense of hope knowing that these kids would soon be in a nice home with a bed to sleep in. They were currently sleeping on dirt in a tent with very little food. We also found out that they had not had water in 5-6 days. The kids were very malnourished and their bellies were full of worms. We loved on the kids, sang with them and then it was time to leave. It was very hard to leave them knowing the conditions they were in, then Miriam told us we were taking a few kids back with us to give them baths. Then we were gonna take them back and bring water back for the rest of them. We got back to New Life and bathed the 5 kids we brought back and put clean clothes on them. Who knows when the last time, if ever that they had a bath and clean clothes. It really showed me how I take the smallest things for granted. We then gave them something to eat and drink. I just say back and watched them in that moment. Each kid would take a sip and a bite to eat and then pass it to another kid. It was so incredible to see how selfless and loving they were towards each other. I just sat there and thought, "if I were in their shoes, what would I do?" My answer, probably not what they did. I know I would probably take everything for myself and not share. I was so challenged by their actions in this moment. TRUE LOVE IN ACTION. It is forever etched on my heart.

Another part of the trip that displayed Christ's love in the most rarest form was the way that the volunteers and other kids in the orphanage love on the special needs kids. There are about 130 kids at the orphanage and probably 20 of them with special needs. Every day we got to spend time and love on each of them. What a true image of love we got to see every day. These kids have so much love to offer and just want to be loved in return. It was so incredible to watch our team interact and fall in love with each of them. They were such a joy to be around and such a blessing to meet them!

I could seriously go on and on about my time in Haiti. My heart is still there but I will be going back this fall for some time. I feel like God has called me there and I want to be obedient and follow through with His calling. I would like to take a moment and focus on what I learned and what I brought home with me:
-While I was in Haiti I really felt the presence of God every single minute of every single day. I really had to trust Him and draw near to Him. While I was there I really felt like the Lord was saying, "I am the same God to you in Haiti that I am in Georgia." This was something that was not new to me but for the first time I believed it. I tend to be closest to God while serving Him on the mission field and tend to think I don't need Him as much when I am in the states, but God really showed me His power and helped me understand He is the same to me in both places! I have opened my heart and eyes to see opportunities in which I can serve here at home and how I can draw near to Him here. Reality is I NEED Him no matter where I am. His love never fails.
-I saw the power of prayer come to life in Haiti. I prayed and really felt it. I prayed for others, I prayed for the communities in which we did VBS, I prayed for answers, I prayed for God to reveal Himself to myself and others on my team. I prayed for healing and I claimed victory in Jesus! I saw how evident God is when we fully surrender and trust Him for everything! It was incredible. My prayer life has become more intimate and more frequent than before! It is incredible what God can show you when you just "Be still."
-I was reminded that His plan for my life is best and He will reveal that to me in His perfect timing. I also learned how to not let the voice of another human being influence a decision that the Lord has asked me to make. I will follow through with what He has asked of me.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading about what God did in me and what I got to experience while I was in the Haitian Nation. I am so grateful to those of you who have supported me and encouraged me along the way. I would appreciate your prayers as I am continuing to seek God and what His next step for me will be. As of right now it looks like I will heading back to Haiti at the end of August and stay through September! Keep following and checking in here as I will be updating this more frequently! I am going to post some of my favorite pics from the trip!

I leave you with this:
"God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house. God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives. God is in the cries heard inder the rubble of war. God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them."
-Bono

.:peace. love. and hancakes:.

Haiti Day 1!

Day 1: wow....i came here with no expectations at all! It has truly been a joy and blessing the few short hours that we've been here. Coming on this trip I was extremely scared for the devastation and oppression I would see. It was a new place that'd I'd never been and I was extremely unsure about it! I am already overwhelmed by the greatness and beauty of this place. Here's the day in review: we landed in Port Au Prince and got all of our bags and headed to the bus! The drive from the airport to the orphanage where we are staying was about 25 minutes. I have been in some pretty poverty stricken communities and I have never seen or felt the devastation and oppression I felt while riding on that bus. There were times I couldn't even look at out the window because of the darkness I felt. It was an overwhelming feeling of darkness. I was getting really nervous and unsure about my safety for the week. Stan(guy who works for mission discovery) said, "Wait until we arrive at New Life Children's Home." I overheard him and had a little bit of hope! Well after the drive and darkness I was not feeling at peace, then this large gate opened and I was amazed at what I saw. It was like we were entering heaven. We got off the bus and there were kids everywhere. I was so excited! We got all settled in and then we were free to hang with the kids! I was just walking around checking it all out. There are several kids who are severally disabled and I knew they just needed love! We all were surrounding them and loving on them! I felt the presence of the Lord in a whole new way! My heart was melting for each kid! I loved seeing everyone on our team just interact with the kids! I was walking around playing with kids but didn't really connect with any of them. Then, I found the most precious little girl, Islande! She is about 2 and so adorable! We played on the swing, played on the ground with a ball, and just walked around! I sat down for a rest for my hurt knee and she fell asleep in my arms! I looked down and just felt so much love! I saw the picture of what it looks like when Christ holds us in His arms! I got up and walked around and Kristin said, "how many times do you think she's every felt asleep in someone else's arms?" That question broke my heart! I was forever connected with this sweet precious child of God! I already can't wait to see her tomorrow! Then we had dinner and just hung out! After that we had worship and then small groups! We broke up into girls and guys and the girls had some good discussion! Loved hearing how God provided for everyone to get here and what they were already feeling after being here for a few hours! I am excited and expectant for what God has in store! Please continue to pray for our team and I will try to blog as much as I can! Pictures will be posted to facebook on my page! 

Our verse for the week:  "God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." Ephesians 3:20 

.:peace. Love. And hancakes:.

.:Haiti:.

Well, tomorrow morning we leave for Haiti! I am really looking forward to this incredible week. I know God has so much in story for me and the rest of my team! As you all know, my heart beats for the opportunity to love on those who are less fortunate than we are. There are 30 of us from Heritage Christian Church going. The team will consist of high school students, college students, and several adults. This trip provides an opportunity to meet the physical and spiritual needs of a community that is desperately in need. We will spend a lot of time at the New Life Children's home in Port Au Prince. There are over 100 kids at the orphanage and 25 of them are severally handicapped. We will also be doing some construction and putting on VBS for the community! As our team heads to Haiti in the morning e would value your prayers for us and those whose lives will be touched by God. I believe that God answers prayers, and I’m asking you to pray for safety, good health, smooth travel, and for God to reveal Himself. As the week goes on I will try my very best to blog throughout the week. Thank you for your prayers and support! Our team is grateful for all your prayers!

.:peace. love. and hancakes:.

My Latest Adventure

First of all, I would like to say that I am committing today to start blogging consistently about my latest adventure and for the future adventures to come!

Most of you know that I have recently resigned from my position as the Associate Children's minister at Heritage Christian Church! For the last 6 months God has been calling me to be bold in my faith and live audaciously each and every day. At first I had no idea what that looked like at that moment. After some time in prayer and in the word this verse was etched on my heart, "But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Exodus 9:16. My whole life I have lived in the same house, gone to the same church, and done the same things. I have become very comfortable and feel very safe in Peachtree City. When the Lord laid that verse on my heart I had no idea what He wanted to do with me. So, I started praying, "Lord, is this where you want me?" and in a matter of a few short hours He started to make it very clear to me that my time here is done. Now let me just be honest here and tell you that when you feel that answer from the Lord it is very scary, but my heart was overflowing with excitement. I knew that whatever was going to come next was going to be amazing. As I felt that my time here was done I didn't want to resign without a plan. But God had a different plan, as always. I felt like He was calling me to resign now and take a step out in faith and TRUST Him with my next adventure. That was very hard for me but the very next day I got a call about and opportunity to go to a third world country for a year.Not sure if that is where I am suppose to go but I took that as a sign that it's time to get up out of the comfy chair and take a leap of faith! So I did and knew in my heart that I was doing exactly what God had called me to do.

As I am finishing up my time here at Heritage until the summer ends I am desperately seeking God and all that He is to open a door for me and I will easily and confidently walk through it. He has already given me some incredible opportunities and I am praying for confirmation and direction in where He wants me. It is my heart's desire to go on the mission field for a little while. I am not sure what capacity or where or how long but know that I am called to "go." Over the last two weeks I have seen God reveal Himself to me in ways I never knew were possible and it has left me in absolute amazement! I am beyond excited to see where the Lord is going to take me next. I am a risk taker and love a new challenge and adventure. It is my heart's desire to serve my church faithfully until that time comes.

I would like to take a moment to share a little bit more of what Heritage Christian Church means to me and how the people here have encouraged me in my walk:

I have grown up in this church, I have been loved on, I have been challenged, I have been encouraged, I have walked away from, I have been baptized, I have witnessed growth, disappointment, miracles, and more. For all of these growth opportunities I am and always will be eternally grateful. However, I feel strongly that it is time for me to move on. I am not angry, I am not disgruntled, I am simply feeling called to stretch myself. I feel called to be bold in my faith and pray about exactly what God’s plan for my life is.

To understand my heart at this moment in my life, I can’t help but quote Ephesians 3:20: “God can do anything, you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us.” This perfectly describes my heart as I am trusting God to open a door and I will walk easily and confidently through it.

I am beyond blessed to get to do what I do and to be a part of the community here. I have some INCREDIBLE people who are walking along side of me who have faithfully committed to praying and pouring in to me. I am who I am today because of the grace and love of Christ and the people He has surrounded me with. It is my hope and prayer that wherever the Lord takes me you guys will be able to follow me here on this blog! Thank you to all of you who have invested time, prayer, tears, and challenges in my life to help continue to mold me into the woman God has called me to be! My life is forever changed!

peace. love. and hancakes.

.:Alive In You:.

I usually don't do this but because of the power in the words of this song I am going to post it here. A few months ago I was writing in my journal and when I was done I looked down at the page and there were words that I had no idea I had just written, I know they were from the Lord. A few weeks ago I got together with the talented Jake Damron and I showed Him what I had written. Well, if you know Jake at all you know that he is always playing his guitar. Jake had a melody that he had written but had no words to go along so after about 2 minutes of Jake playing around he sang the words to his melody and they fit PERFECT! There were not a lot of words so this was just the beginning of the song! After Jake spent some time alone on it and then we came back together and spent some more time the song was almost complete. All we needed was a bridge, and for me the bridge is usually my favorite part of most songs. I was stuck and nothing was flowing so we just left and let it be. Later Jake sent me the bridge he had written and it fit even more perfect! I am so amazed at the talent that God has given that young man. He is truly a man of God who is really seeking Him with all his heart! It has been an honor to walk alongside of him over the last few years, I am so excited to see what God has planned for him! It is going to be something huge I just know it! Here are the lyrics to the song that Jake and I wrote together. He has put a full band to it and it sounds incredible! Hope these words bring truth and redemption to your life as they did for Jake and I!


Overwhelm me
with Your love
Embrace me in your arms

Shield me from all harm
Never let me go

Your love is all
I could ever need
Because of you I can stand
You hold me in Your hand
You guide me with your truth

Sin has no hold on me
Your love has set me free
Now I’m alive in You
Now I’m alive in You

Grace so abundantly
Poured out for all to see
Now I’m alive in You
Now I’m alive in You

Fearful no more
You have made me brave
By the promise that You give
Forever I can live
Within Your light of strength

I am refined
Walking in Your power
Your glory guides my way
Through all my weary days
Your faithful to my heart

The gates of hell will never see me
My sin dissolved at the sound of Heavens victory
Hope came awake when Christ beat the grave
Now I’m living as a conqueror
Your blood has surely claimed

Peace, love, and blessings!
-hancakes.