It is better...

{Photos via weheartit. I thought they were beautiful.}

"Better to love God and die unknown than to love the world and be a hero; better to be content with poverty than to die a slave to wealth; better to have taken some risks and lost than to have done nothing and succeeded at it."

-Erwin Lutzer, Pastor of Moody Church

There's not much I can add to a statement like that. It sums up my hopes for this life on earth.

I want to live free from slavery to the things of this world.

I long to be so content with loving God that nothing else matters.

I desire to attempt much for God, regardless of the outcome.

Sometimes I wonder if I will really live like that. I fear a wasted life. But you know what? I can't live like that...not without the power of God working in me. I need His Spirit to do in me what I cannot. He is the God of the impossible and He promises to show His power in our weakness.

Thus, I give Him my love, my possesions and all that I do. All things are in His hands.

My summer reading list

I used to read at least a book a month in high school and college, not including my school books. I no longer do so and it makes me kind of sad. However, I am hoping to remedy that this summer. Here are a few books on my reading list:

Yes, it's true. I've been reading this book for several months. However, I never read through any Elliot writing very quickly. It's one of those you read for a bit and then put it down to write out some quotes and think about what you just read. (Or at least that's what I do.) I'm about half way through and I already have so many quotes highlighted. It's probably one of the best Christian biographies I've ever read.

Yep, this is another one I've been "reading" for quite a while. I'm on the last section of the book, but I can't seem to get myself into it again. It's not my favorite of Lewis’ works, but I’m determined to finish it. It is very thought provoking. Lewis delves into all the possible ways we can love. It's intriguing, but certainly not one that you are dying to get home to read.

I haven't read these since I was a kid. I know I'll enjoy them even more so now! I started “The Magician’s Nephew” the other day and I already finished it. Sometimes it’s just nice to escape the real world for a while. This time around I am scouring the pages for all the symbolism I can find. If you are at all familiar with the scripture it isn't hard to discover.I literally put on a Nancy Drew - like outfit and pull our my magnifying glass as I read these books. Ok, ok...I don't do that. I really put in a tobacco pipe and a Sherlock Holmes - ish hat. What? You don't believe that either? I'll stop now. Nonetheless, you should pick them up if you've never read them!

Oh my! I am so excited about this one! Has anyone read it? I read Radical last summer in just a few days. This one already proves to be very thought provoking. I love it when a book makes me want to put it down to read the Bible. I'm only on the second chapter and I have done so several times.

I read this in High School and it impacted my spiritual walk greatly. I’m excited about reading it again. It was very influential in growing my faith. It goes over lots of foundational theology. I love how he uses the term "ordinary" in this book. His "ordinary" Christian is just about equivelent to David Platt's "radical" Christian. It should be ordinary for us to be radical for Christ, to live in the Spirit and be used for the Kingdom. This is not a book for the faint of heart! It will be refreshing to once again turn the pages that helped me understand the Spirit and many other things.

So that's my reading list for now folks. Do any of you have some great summer reads you might suggest? I’m always on the hunt for a good book!

Make me swoon...our love shoot

Have you ever seen a photo that expressed so much more than you could ever say? Our engagement photos are as such to me. When I look at them, rivers of emotions flood my heart. They are priceless to me. I remember looking at my then fiance and feeling so much love...those feelings still radiate from the images. I am grateful to T2 Photography for capturing these priceless moments and I am so excited to share them with you all!

Check out their website, blog and facebook page. It will be well worth your time!

photo credit - T2 Photogrpahy

I feel so secure with him next to me.

photo credit - T2 Photogrpahy

photo credit - T2 Photogrpahy

Right here is my favorite place to be in the world.

photo credit - T2 Photogrpahy

He makes me laugh so much!

photo credit - T2 Photogrpahy

photo credit - T2 Photogrpahy

I can't get enough of my man playing and singing.

photo credit - T2 Photogrpahy

This photo...wow. I married a stud.

photo credit - T2 Photogrpahy

These photos capture a very exciting time in our relationship. If I'm not careful, I can try to make our life like these photos...which are pretty close to perfect. (Yes, T2 Photography is that good!) We will never be perfect, neither will our relationship. But I can cherish it everyday. I can choose to love and serve the man God has given to me. Sure, life will not always be as blissful as these images. Marriage is not about making us happy, but making us holy. Each morning I wake up and see these photos hanging on our bedroom wall and I am reminded of our commitment to each other. I see these photos and am recall just how blessed I am to be with such a wonderful man...

...which is worth more than I could ever say.

the power of words

Speak Up.

Words.
Powerful words.
They can crush.
Or cure.
Bless.
Or curse.

Seemingly small.
Words shape our future.
Define our destiny.
Seal our fate.
They can lead us to ruin.
Or build like precious stones.

When the heart is squeezed.
It speaks.
Because what is within.
Ultimately fills our mouths.
In time, we say.
What we think.

The tongue is a force.
The mouth a fountain.
Of evil.
Or good.
So we must speak well.


I found this on Passion City Church's blog. I didn't realize how much I was going to need it today.

Our words are so important. They are a reflection of what is in our hearts. They are powerful. With one word you can lift someone up, with another tear them down. The Bible says that the tongue is a fire in James 3:6 and there is much said about it in Proverbs. What are my words doing? What comes out of my mouth when I am squeezed?

It's hard not to lash out when people talk about you behind your back, or make jabs at you. Still, I was reminded that my Savior endured much worse during His lifetime. I have bargained with He who bore a cross. Who am I to complain about life's circumstances? Who am I to be critical or defensive? I should respond with grace.

My life is but a moment. And I want it to count. All of it, including my words...whether that means to speak up or hold my tongue. I pray that I may speak with love and grace on my lips.