ON MY PLAYLIST//03

FIRST AID KIT//

All I have to say is: girl power. 

Love: Color & Print

ON MY PLAYLIST//02

If you wanna dance, or should i say groove, look no further. 

Love: I Want You Near

I was driving around last night and my mind started creating a melody on its own. I pulled out my iphone to record the melody and by the time I got to my destination I had a song written. All it needed was some piano! I got my friend conner to help and sing the guy part. The song is about long distance relationships and pretty much how much it sucks being away from the person you love. Here ya go:

Love: Forever His

"But as for you Isreal, my servant, Jacob, my chosen one, my friend, I have called you back from the ends of the earth saying "you are my servant." For I have chosen you and I will not throw you away." 

-Isaiah 41: 8&9

How many times in this walk of faith do we expect perfection out of ourselves? I know there are times when I do. All I want to do is make Jesus proud. I just want to show him I love him. And somewhere along this road of trying to please him, I get caught up in the attempt of perfection. Somehow, I forget the truth that perfection is not obtainable. So, when I fall or fail, it hits me hard. It hits me so hard, that I find myself not being able to forgive myself. Even when I know Jesus has forgiven me, I dont think I'm worthy of that forgiveness. What kind of mindset is that? 

Jesus doesnt expect perfection out of us. If we were perfect, God wouldnt have had to send his perfect son Jesus. He could have used one of us as a sacrifice. But no one was perfect. And Jesus came and died so that by accepting his sacrifice, we would be made perfect in the sight of God. There is nothing I could do to make God see me as anything more or less than Jesus. How amazing is that? 

Sometimes I forget this though. And when my faith isnt as strong as it should be, or when I get caught up in the ways of this world, I get so disappointed in myself that I start to distance myself. My mindset tells me that because I have failed him, I cant be used by him. And as I give into this false mindset, I start to fall away from his heart. I start to feel like I cant be used. That I cant be worthy of being called His own. 

But then, God picks me up the moment I start falling away. He reminds me of a little thing called grace. And that because of that grace, he doesnt require perfection of us, he only requires that we love him with everything that we are. With all of our minds, all of our heart, and all of our strength. When we love Him in this way, we are made right. We are clothed in righteousness. We are made perfect in his eyes. And by loving him fully, we are able to live a life that pleases him. Not a perfect one, but one that uses every moment to love Jesus more than you did the day before. One that is sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit. A life that bows in awe at the sound of his name. One that delights in who he is. One that honors him and represents him. 

And so, Isaiah 41 spoke to me this morning while I was feeling unworthy in the way I explained above:

"But as for you Isreal, my servant, Jacob, my chosen one, my friend, I have called you back from the ends of the earth saying "you are my servant." For I have chosen you and I will not throw you away." 

This is God. This is Jesus. This is Grace. He calls us from the place we've wandered to. "The ends of the earth". It doesnt matter where we are, how far weve been away, he is still calling us back. He calls you his servant, his chosen one, his friend. And how does he get our attention from this far away place we have wandered to? He calls us by name, saying "you are my servant." He tells us the way he has claimed us, he tells us that no matter how far weve wandered, he still sees us the same way he saw us the day he saved us: as his servant. He chose us. And even though we may stray, even though we mess up, He wants us back. He wont throw us away. We are still able to be used by him. We are still His. 

Love: 'Tis The Season

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that Christmas is hands down one of my very favorite holidays. The cold weather, getting bundled up, the decorations, the music, the snuggles, the gifts, & the family all coming together. Its such a happy time. I cant wait to have my own home to decorate and my own family to celebrate with. One things I'm looking forward to most is creating my own traditions. 

1. After our thanksgiving meal we will watch a

 Christmas movie (like elf, or the grinch) to take us into the Christmas season.

2. "12 Dates of Christmas": me and my husband will have fun

 christmas themed dates, 12 of them, that we go on during the Christmas season.

3. Cookie decorating contest!

I'm sure you get the point :) Do you guys have any traditions now, or some you want to have in the future? What are they? Only 21 more days until Christmas!

^I cant wait to be Santa!

^I know I'm gonna be one of those wifeys/momma's that always have sweet treats available. Not sure if this is a good or bad thing, but our home will smell delicious :)

^One of my favorite things to do during the winter is to hang my socks by the fire place for about 15 minutes. I let them get all toasty and warm & then slip them on. Ah. Best feeling ever.

^So CUTE! Ornaments! What a great gift idea.

Merry Christmas :)

Love: Love!

Macy & Maison: ENGAGED!

I just want to take the time to honor these two amazing people who got engaged tonight! Macy & Maison are two friends who have a special place in my heart. I admire each of them for their love for God, and incredible love for eachother. Their relationship has been such an amazing example for me over the years, & I know their marriage will be such a beautiful display of our marriage with Chirst. I'm so beyond honored to know these two, and SO EXCITED to see you guys tie the knot! Congratulations, I love you both more than words could say!

Love: Gift Wrapping & Packaging!

I've been trying to think of a cute way to wrap my gifts this year. I thought I'd share some inspiration with you guys. Be creative with your packaging!

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Love: An Unchanging God

Hey fellow cyber friends. Its me. Blake. I dont know why but today I'm just incredibly happy and stress free. Even though, I have many things I probably should be stressing about...Oh well. :)

So as I'm reflecting on this past week, I'm just so incredibly humbled and thankful. God has shown himself to me in so many ways. I came here for the sole purpose of establishing his glory on this campus. For a while, I really felt like my efforts were going unnoticed. I didnt feel like I was being used as much as I could be. But regardless of how much I felt like I was doing, God was still God. He showed up every night when I prayed or worshipped. His presence was as strong as its ever been. He was still teaching me. He was still being faithful. Hes been showing me that no matter how I feel, He is still constant. Through it all.

That truth is something that brings me so much peace. No matter where I am or who is in my life, no matter if I have confusion or dont understand, no matter if I'm obedient or not, no matter if I'm happy or sad, He stays the same. Hes completely unchanging. His promises never change. His power never fades. His strength never fails. His goodness never leaves. He is who he is. Always.

"Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. They will perish, but you remain forever; they will wear out like old clothing. You will change them like a garment and discard them. But you are always the same; you will live forever. The children of your people will live in security. Their children's children will thrive in your presence."

Psalm 102: 25-28

His power doesnt depend on your strength. His goodness doesnt depend on your obedience. His grace doesnt depend on your holiness. His redemption doesnt depend on your past. His forgiveness doesnt depend on your ability to forgive yourself. His future for you doesnt depend on the mistakes of your yesterdays. His love doesnt depend on the way you feel about him. He is God. He is Almighty. He loves you, and theres nothing you can do to change that. 

In This Life

In this life, never doubt your efforts. Never regret. Dont wish away your days. Dont think that any moment is a moment wasted. Remember the value of your existence. Acknowledge that there is a purpose in the world that only you can fulfil. Realize that you are one of a kind, that there is no one else like you, and will never be. Rest in the fact that you were hand crafted & made with precision. Understand that although the love you give may not be reciprocated, love given is never wasted. Open your eyes and see that the day is yours, that victory available in every situation, that an abundant life is at your fingertips. Unveil your face, dont be blind to the opportunities in front of you. Remember that perfection is not obtainable, but perfect love is put to action when imperfection is accepted and cherished. Hold onto the hope that there will be a tomorrow, there will be a second chance, there will be new mercies each and every morning. The sun will continue to rise, the stars will continue to shine. No matter how deep a hole you've dug yourself, there's always a hand waiting to pull you out. Recognize your passions and pursue them. Never stop doing what brings you joy. Ask questions, search for answers, and have faith enough to be content in the fact that not every question will be answered. Cherish the sadness as much as the joy. Accept the fact that our way isnt the only way. Love others where they are at, instead of where they could be. Learn to see past the bad, & straight to the good. Illuminate a room with your presence. Speak kindly, but speak sparingly. Let your words be an overflow of the love in your heart. Smile. Take every opportunity to share kindness. See that each day is not for ourselves, but for others; so that they may see a glimpse of the goodness that we have obtained. Be faithful. Be obedient. Honor others. Dont be afraid to love. Dont be afraid to be real. Grasp the reality that you are someones miracle. Be bold. Be loving. Be selfless. Be the change.

The world needs you. 

Love: Wisdom

Just went a friend's blog, where Chris Exley, one of my church's missionaries did some writing. Some words that he spoke really touched my heart about finding direction and my calling. I'd like to share it with you guys:

"Demonstrate your trust in me by sitting quietly in My Presence.  Put aside all that is waiting to be done, and refuse to worry about anything.  This sacred time together strengthens you and prepares you to face whatever the day will bring.  By waiting with Me before you begin the day’s activities, you proclaim the reality of My living Presence. This act of faith – waiting before working – is not popular in your world but is noted in the spirit world, where your demonstration of trust weakens principalities and powers of darkness.

When you need to take action, I will guide you clearly through My Spirit and My Word.  The world is so complex and overstimulating that you can easily lose your sense of direction.  Doing countless unnecessary activities will dissipate your energy.  When you spend time with Me, I will restore your sense of direction.  As you look to Me for guidance, I will enable you to do less but accomplish more."

Love: Family

Guess who came to visit me this weekend? My family! Mom couldnt make it, but I had such a great time seeing my Dad and sisters. Its funny how distance really does make the heart grow fonder. I never thought I would miss my sisters as much as I do when we are apart. 

-Macy (left) and Madison (right), twins, 14 years old.-

We started the day together with yummy turkey burgers from Burger Life, a local place in Fayetteville. Then walked over to the movie theater across the street to see In Time with Justin Timberlake. SO GOOD. I hadnt been to a movie in so long. My family loves going to the movies. Miss that.

I got to take them to one of my favorite coffee shops Mama Carmen's, run by a local church in NW Arkansas. Delicious. Then we headed to the game! Arkansas VS Tenessee. We killed em. Go Hogs!

Sad they had to leave, but only a week until I head back home to Texas for Thanksgiving break! 

Love: Friendsies

Love: Taking Hold of the Promises

"You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. In your strength I can crush an army, with my God I can scale any wall. God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a sheild for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength and He makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. He trains my hands for battle, he strengths my arm to draw a bronze bow. You have given me your sheild of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great." -Psalm 18:28-36

1. He gives us eyes to see his light in the darkness
2. He offers us his strength, enough to crush an army.
3. With our God, we can do the impossible.
4. His ways are perfect & his promises prove true.
5. He protects those who run to him for safety.
6. He is a solid rock, a place where we can stand firm. He is truth, & he doesnt waver.
7. He arms ME with his strength and gives me his perfection so that MY ways may be perfect.
8. He enables me to stand firmly in places that otherwise would cause a person to fall.
9. He trains and prepares me for battles, he equips me with spiritual weapons.
10. He has given us his victory.
11. He supports us and sustains us and his help makes us great.

Jesus. He is good. He is faithful. All he says is true. Look at those promises he makes us as his children...he offers all those things freely, because he loves us. He offers us his goodness, so that we may be good. He offers us his strength, so that we may be victorious. Who is like our God? Tell me, who can give you the strength to stand firm in shakey places? Who gives you victory over EVERY addiction and heartbreak? People, THE BATTLE IS WON! Your depression? YOURE FREE. Your heartbreak? YOURE HEALED. Your addictions? THE CHAINS ARE BROKEN. We recieved victory the moment Jesus took his place on the cross. The price was paid, and the victory is won. When will we start living in that truth? Satan was defeated the moment Christ was victorious. We inherit that freedom & victory! Live in it! Live in the realities of the spirit! It is freely offered, so TAKE IT. We've won freedom, so live free. We've been offered light, so cast out darkness. We've been offered the strength of the Almighty, so conquor the armies of the enemy. Stop living blind to the victory and chained to the enemy. Recieve the promises!

Love: Worship!

So, I love worship. Leading worship is one of my favorite things in the world. Mostly because I love being able to be a part of connecting people to the presence of God. His presence is where hearts are changed and healed and restored. One of my prayers as I start this next chapter in life is that He will use my voice on my campus to bring people to his heart! I decided to do a cover of Rooftops by Jesus Culture. Its one of my favorite worship songs right now. I love the lyrics. Jesus, we are yours!!

-Blake

Life: Four Girls & A Flea Market

So, I headed out to Canton, TX Thursday night with 4 of my girlfriends for a thrifting adventure. We had a fun couple of days filled with fireworks, coffee, a hail storm, a lost phone, coffee, heat, & of course shopping at First Monday. We found a bunch of little treasures at the flea market and had lots of bonding time. Thank you Jesus for such special friends. 

My finds: 3 Mason jars for flowers in my room or dorm ($1.50), a beautiful white painted, wooden picture frame ($1), 3 rings & a pair of earings ($5), skeleton key for Chris ($2.00), antique floral teacup for my rings ($1). Lots of little treasures that make my heart smile :)

-Blake