Don't Quit

I read this devotional this morning and just wanted to share. It also reminded me of a blog I wrote a few years back so I thought that was neat! This really encouraged me and I hope it does you too!

Don’t Quit

Tags: Courage, Everyday Faith, Making a Difference

The sweat. The fall. The doubt. The belief. The sunrise. The trail. The pain. The end.

The sun was calling over the mountains like a siren to sailor’s death. The mountain called. I responded. Step by step, minute by minute, mile by mile, I endured the hill. Half way up the trail, I lost my footing and slipped down onto jagged rocks, cutting my hand and shin. I debated quitting. I mean, I had already completed a good amount of trail. What would it matter if I continued? Who would know? Who would care?

But I couldn’t quit.

I was surrounded by trees; their limbs were like semaphores swaying encouragement. I had to get to the top. I limped my way to the crest of the peak and my breath was taken away. I saw the entire trail, the sunrise, the doubtful cliffs, the believing trees, and I rested in the beauty.

I had a moment with the Creator and saw Life. Sometimes I’ve asked myself, What would it matter if I continued my walk of faith in a Divine Creator? Would would know if I quit? Who would care? But as I stood at the peak of the hill I endured and saw the difficult path I emerged from, I realized the end is worth the fall, the doubt, the pain. Press on, fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12), for He shows loving kindness to those who walk before Him with all their heart (2 Chronicles 6:14).

Have you asked if it would matter if you quit? It does. Don’t give up. The view is beautiful from the top.

By Bianca, In The Name of Love and Compassion’s Team San Diego [for more info on joining a running revolution, click here]

Really, Really Big Christmas Show!!

I got to be apart of the cast of the Really, Really Big Christmas Show at Second Baptist Church Houston! It was so much fun & I had an absolute blast! The best part was that I got to do it with some of my best friends! This was such a neat way to share the birth of our precious savior Jesus Christ with the thousands of people who walked into the doors of the church! Here are some fun pictures from the weekend!

Full...

Tonight I am full. Full of good food and of sweet fellowship...both are so good for the soul! :) Last month my old small group started a new tradition of a monthly dinner. We had our second one tonight and oh my stars let me just tell y'all...both times have been so sweet! This particular group of women are some of the most genuine, wise, & most importanly Godly women I know.

These past four years we have laughed together, cried together, entered into new seasons together, but most importantly grown more in love with our sweet Jesus together. It was so refreshing to just sit around Jacky's livivng room tonight & just be real and share our hearts. I think that authenticity is such a rare treasure to find & I cherish it so much with this group.

So tonight I did. I just wanted to share with y'all how thankful I am for these precious girls..I am so blessed by their friendships and love! (Blair you were missed and prayed for!)

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God" 1 John 4:7

Seasons...

All of my life in every season I have a reason to sing, I have a reason to worship....

Seasons. They are different for everyone. Right now I am in a season of waiting and change. Feeling that The Lord was leading me to resign from my old job and waiting to see what He has next. I know that He works for the good of those who love Him but I have to be honest.... right now in my life I am in a place of complete and utter confusion.

Not knowing what is next is a scary place to be, but praise The Lord I can rest in the sweet promise that we are told not to worry about tomorrow & that He knows what's next. Right now I am walking in complete and utter blind faith. I'm going to be honest though--that's not such a bad place to be. My faith is all I have to cling to & right now it is growing like it never has before. With all of my heart I want to be the girl who glorifies my sweet Jesus during the seasons of waiting & change. The girl who doesn't loose heart. The girl who shows Jesus in not only the good seasons but also the tough ones. Do I fall short? Every single day. But that is what I believe causes us to seek shelter under His wings, & to run fast and hard after Him.

Here is what I can tell you....I loved my previous job and know without a doubt that I was great at it--however, I had become very comfortable and complacent. I know I've said this on here before I also hate change. On the other hand, I know change is what causes us to grow and learn. So I am, as hard as it is for me I'm choosing to embrace this change & learn all that I can from it. Last weekend I went to listen to Steven Furtick preach at a near by church and he said something that really struck a chord with me....that if the the vision for my life is small then that is most likely insulting to God & that the vision for my life should be intimidating and huge--I started praying for a bigger vision.

So today I'm thankful that this is just a season. That today is not a blank page & He can see the whole storyt. But most of all that He knows my heart better than I do & is working for the good in me & all I have to do is step.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him. Who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

*I would also covet your prayers during this season--thanks so much!*

Pure Sweetness!

Last week I helped out my dear friend Jenny with her sweet kiddos. They were moving into a new house and Jeff was out of town so with three little ones a set of extra hands was much appreciated. I haven't been sleeping that well during the night so I've been quiet tired during the day. One day sweet Kate fell asleep on the couch & as you can tell I wasn't that far behind her! Her Mom captured this sweet photo--sorry it's poor quality she took it on my phone! To me it doesn't get much sweeter than this! I love this sweet family and cherish the precious relationship I have with them!

2010 Ryder Cup...

I'm sure you can tell from my blog that it's no secret--I love the sport of golf. Growing up in Scotland & your Dad owning one of the most popular hotels in St. Andrews, Scotland where the sport began it's hard not to. The sport has always been apart of my life but after attending the 2010 British Open & having the privilege to meet and visit with some of the sports best players & people in the industry it has caused my love to grow. You may not understand but now I feel apart of it's world & love the people in it. I do. I love the game. This week is the 2010 Ryder Cup in Wales an event like no other in golf. I know that the defending champions team USA are HUGE underdogs but I think that's what will make it so exciting!

Team USA!

Team Europe

Had to put in a picture of Dustin...can you say school girl crush--I met him in St. Andrews during The Open! :)

Currently Reading....

Steven Furtick's new book Sun Stand Still. I'm just getting into it but am so excited to dig into this book! It about having audacious faith and praying Sun Stand Still prayers like Joshua did! I could not be reading this book or listening to his podcasts on the book at a more perfect season of my life right now.

When I think of audacious faith several people from the Bible come to mind. . People like Noah. He had faith to build a boat. Why? Because God told him to. Esther. Oh sweet Esther. She had faith to approach the King with boldness, Peter, well he walked on water. I also think of Joshua....how he marched around the walls of Jericho. Blew the horn. And the walls came a tumblin' down.

I realize to do this some of my dreams may have to die in order for Him to reveal His dreams to me. My question to myself is why wouldn't I want to see my sweet Jesus' dreams fulfilled for my life. I'm sure they are so much greater and bigger than the ones I could ever dream up for myself. Why? Because He knows and wants what's best & loves me more than I could ever comprehend. I'm sure I'll be sharing a lot while reading this book and listening to the sermons. I'm so excited & super expectant of how The Lord is going to change my heart during these next few weeks. That was confirmed today through an email from a sweet friend. She invited me to be in a prayer group with some of the most Godly, wise, & unbelievable women I know. I'm serious y'all...these women are doing HUGE things to impact the Kingdom & the lives of women and girls! I am so humbled and excited to be able to join in prayer with them on the first Monday of every month. To pray sun stand still prayers for ourselves & our nation. That a great awakening would occur. I know that I am going to learn and grow so much through spending some sweet time with these Godly women the first Monday of each month. So I challenge you...what sun stand still prayer do you need to pray today? Don't be afraid to pray it. Approach the throne with boldness, confidence & I know you'll be amazed by what God will do as you see audacious faith rise up in you.