Sun Stand Still

Listen to an oh-so-challenging message and meditate on this prayerful song.

Wise Words

Last week a small portion of our worship team attended a conference in Virginia.  Located at a Hillsong church, Aussie accents abounded and the music touched both my emotions and my spirit.

We also had the unique privilege of learning from worship leader Darlene Zschech, who speaks with humility and grace.  There are still so many thoughts bouncing through my mind from the conference.

For now, I'll share favorite line of the weekend, spoken by Kevin Gerald:

Isn't this a beautiful concept? 

I instantly thought of my marriage but over the past week so many other areas of life come to mind.  Work, church, friendships, our apartment, my physical appearance and health.  

Am I allowing myself to long for something "better", all the while neglecting what I already have?  How can I, instead, facilitate growth?  

Does this resonate with you?  Why or why not?

Life Test

Listen to a challenging message and read straightforward scripture.  

I am so moved to evaluate my life and make certain I am growing in Him. 

I [heart] AL

As you know, many in our region lost their homes and loved ones in the tornadoes that ravaged the southeast last week.  The stories pouring forth each day contain both the heartbreaking and the miraculous.

As relief efforts begin, thousands are rallying together to provide necessities to those in need.  Local churches are collecting donations and volunteers are collecting debris.  It is truly touching.  

A sweet college student in our church, Susannah, is donating all proceeds from her Etsy shop to tornado relief efforts. Go to I Love Little Buddies to make a purchase. 

Check out the shops below for more opportunities to support tornado victims.

{longhand, Roxie Choxie, Little Temple and Gifts of Gratitude} 

I love the quote printed on the necklace above.  

It is my hope that through donations of goods, services and time, we will all show kindness to our neighbors who are in need.  We are praying for all those affected and look forward to serving them in any way we can.

**edit: after a comment below from my blogger friend at Mo-Pie Please, I must share an all encompassing website listing opportunities to help. Please take time to look at Shelter for the South and then take action! 

The Art of Brick Laying

Through an inspiring book and our newlywed small group, we stumbled upon the simple, yet revolutionary concept of brick laying.

I am so challenged by this! 

Life is not formed by great catastrophe or triumph, but by the small choices we make each day. How easy it is to overlook our daily actions and interactions with others!  

I am now in the painstaking process of forming daily bricks for the foundation of my life: attentiveness to my husband, quiet time with God, pursuing passions and interests and even menial tasks like straightening up our apartment before bed. These desires encompass many of my goals for the year, with one small difference.  I now know that they can not be accomplished overnight.  

Goals are realized only by a daily investment of laying bricks.  

{Amy Butler Brick Quilt}

What better visual inspiration for brick laying that the picture above? Through hard work and daily dedication, Caryn, created a lovely quilt for warmth, snuggling and cheery thoughts whenever needed.  

I would love to recreate this, however, my sewing skills are extremely limited. Instead, I'll start on an apron using the fabric I bought nearly 6 months ago. 

What bricks are you laying today?

Uber Sweetness

I am in love with this new blog.  Discovered via A Cup of Jo.

Lasting Joy

Listen to a kid-friendly, yet challenging message. 

Read a book about growing up, maturing and maintaining joy.  

Local Favorites: Used Bookstore

I will never own an electronic reader.  When engulfed in a story, I need to turn the page, hold the binding, fold down the corner. And I want the book to be all mine.  The freedom to take my time and read for understanding; or pull an all-nighter and pass the book along to a friend.