He has done great things!

Friends-

As March is nearing us this week, and much excitement is just around the corner here at the Forge- I think it’s time to share how the Lord’s been at work in our community already in 2013! As I reflect back on some highlights, I’m truly in awe of our gracious Lord. What a gift to wake up each day with the promise of new mercies being ours in our Lord Jesus! His Gospel has never been more of a daily reality in my life than in the past six months and I’m praying that it is your truest reality in life as well. My prayer and desire for 2013 is that Jesus would be more beautiful and believable than all the other things of this earth that vie for my attention.

it’s always a good time!

The seasons are changing and much has been happening here in Tyler at The Forge! It’s been awhile since I’ve written an update- and I’m so eager to share about the last few months! As I spent time at home over Thanksgiving, it was sweet to remember each of you and thank the Lord for Him providing such an amazing support team and friends to share this journey with!

Since my last update we have completed and ratified our Covenant, been on 3 trips, and continued attending classes.

First Forge Update!

Friends and Family-

What a joy it is to begin this journey of the Forge with you all! As I have finished my first two weeks in Tyler, so often I think of YOU and how excited I am to share everything that the Lord is teaching me already. I am so thankful for your support and eagerness to share life with me right now (even if through a computer screen) 🙂

sweetly broken

“Come to me for understanding, since I know you far better than you know yourself. I comprehend you in all your complexity; no detail of your life is hidden from Me. I view you through eyes of grace, so don’t be afraid of My intimate awareness. Allow the Light of My healing Presence to shine into the deepest recesses of your being– cleansing, healing, refreshing, and renewing you. Trust Me enough to accept the full forgiveness that I offer you continually. This great gift, which cost Me My Life, is yours for all eternity. Forgiveness is at the very core of My abiding Presence. I will never  leave you or forsake you.

Let there be light!

Struck by this…

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

my heart is full

Had a true mountain-top experience this morning! Thankful to have time to sit down in the midst of a soon to be crazy, but glorious day. It is day one of week two at Lost Canyon Young Life camp, where I am spending three weeks serving Jesus in a community wonderful people.

glorious mess…

First, I just need to thank my God for giving me a job where I literally get paid to spend time with Jesus. I was hired at the campus fitness center a year ago, and have spent countless hours reading, journaling, praying, studying, blogging and growing closer to Jesus…mmm, so thankful! (It’s a hard job…I swipe IDs at the door…ha)

Jan Marshall

This morning I woke up to a text from my college minister telling me she was praying for me…I was slightly confused but it didn’t take but a minute for me to remember that today is Mothers day. Before I even woke up, God wanted me to know I was loved and being prayed for… He is so sweet.

broken-hearted hallelujah

By His wounds, we are HEALED.

That truth has resonated in my heart for weeks now. I’ve probably heard that phrase countless times throughout my Christian upbringing. And I know I’ve even gotten sick of a song that repeats that phrase over and over…but I just recently have started to understand it.

If I know anything about myself, it’s that I need healing. I don’t need to “feel better”, I need full-on, Jesus- filled, complete HEALING.

Beginnings…

Before I enter into this adventure with my Lord Jesus, I need to enter into the quiet and stillness of my heart and listen to the Holy Spirit– I cannot begin this with any other pursuit and desire than to surrender this journey whole heartedly to the one who called me here in the first place. I want to surrender the silly pressure I feel as I type out my first entry… ha. I want to surrender where this takes me through this next season of life and, God willing, beyond. How I ended up here tonight is not an accident, neither is it of my own doing. I cannot take the credit for anything that is laid out here on this blog. Not now, and not ever.