if i was never sick, i wouldn't know you as my Healer.
if i was never broken, i wouldn't know you as my Redeemer.
if i was never weak, i wouldn't know you as my Strength.
if i was never uncertain, i wouldn't know you as my Rock.
if i was never in need, i wouldn't know you as my Provider.
if i never grieved, i wouldn't know you as my Comforter.
if i never saw death, i wouldn't know you as the God of Life.
if i was never afraid, i wouldn't know you as my Peace.
if i was never in the desert, i wouldn't know you as my Sustainer.
if i was never discouraged, i wouldn't know you as my Hope.
if i never experienced pain, i wouldn't know you as my Joy.
if i was never lost, i wouldn't know you as my Shepherd.
if i never walked through darkness, i wouldn't know you as my Light.
if i never messed up, i wouldn't know you as the God of Grace.

"The pharisees couldn't stand him,

But they found out they couldn't stop him.

Pilate couldn't find any fault in him,

Herod couldn't kill him.

Death couldn't handle him,

The grave couldn't hold him.

THAT'S MY KING."

life is full of really good things....

like sunshine.
coffee.
fresh pineapple.
really good friends who know everything about me.
really fun new friends.
laughter.
cute puppies.
late night pancakes.
good music that makes me feel alive.
enormous amounts of tea when i'm sick.
motivation to get through the next two weeks.
excitement about all that is to come.


you make life worth living.

letting truth from the Lord seep into my heart and mind today...

"I am taking care of you."

"Even now you have access to as much of Me as you have faith to receive. Rejoice in My abundance-- living by faith, not by sight."

"A life lived close to Me is not complicated or cluttered. When your focus is on My presence, many things that once troubled you lose their power over you. Though the world around you is messy and confusing, remember that I have overcome the world. I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have Peace."

-Jesus Calling


I have been challenged lately, over and over, to be thankful. It's so easy to lose sight of what is really valuable when life is busy and when my eyes are on myself and my own issues. I'm learning the difference between the urgent and the important. Thank you, Jesus, for sustaining me and taking care of me and giving me exponentially more than I could ever deserve....

spring time
unexpected and refreshing friendships and conversations
kisses on my cheek from the cutest Ethiopian kids I've ever seen
new jobs for Steve and I
restoration and renewal in the midst of chaos
encouragement from a thousand different directions, just when I need it most


3 more weeks of school, and then a summer full of...
Africa. Nannying. Jesus. Friends. Life. Prayer. Love. Wedding. Adventure.

I trust you, Jesus