Rest

With the heartache and pains of life I have let way to much stuff get in the way of my dreams and my relationship with Christ. Today for the first time in about four months I sat down in a park and talked to God. I found myself reading Ephesians and learning about Christ love all over again. For the first time in four months I felt free. I felt forgiven, chosen, and loved. So tonight I leave you with these passage in Ephesians: "I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (Ep 4:1-2)

Lost

Over the last couple of months I have felt lost. No where to turn and no direction. Where do I go from here and what do I do now, are often questions I find myself asking. I try to search but the road seems so short. Every options seems like I'm running. Running from fear, commitment, friends.... When will I see the light and find my way. When will I ever be free of this worry and doubt?

A Simple I'm Sorry

"In your anger do not sin" Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.
~Ephesians 4:26

My Strength & Shield

The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
-Psalm 28:7

Tug-of-War

Last night I attended a class at Southland Christian Church and they shared a story with us about the tug-of-war in life and how great our father's love is for us. It was an amazing story that hit home, so I thought I would share it with you as well. Enjoy!

Some years ago, on a hot summer day in South Florida , a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore. His father, working in the yard, saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could. Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his father. It was too late. Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator. Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his father's fingernails dug into his flesh in his effort to hang on to the son he loved. The newspaper reporter, who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Dad wouldn't let go." You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you. The Scripture teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way. But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-of-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very grateful. He did not and will not ever let you go.

Now I have to ask, Which scars do you show?

Broken

Words? Where are you? I've tried writing about so much. The KY Horse Park, Alaskan Cruise, Berry Picking, 4th of July Celebration, Horseback riding, and even sleeping under the stars, but nothing seemed important. Life the last month has been some what of a roller coaster. Everything important in my life, that keeps me stable has been wiped out from under me. The last blow come yesterday, and to be honest I was not surprised. As I sat there taking it in I not only cried but laughed. I started laughing at my life, at God... Why? I found myself thinking, really God is this all you got. I throw up my arms in anger and said "take it." I'm tired of it all anyways. Just take every single thing it my life while you are at it. I know you will come back for it anyways. Just take it! Frustration overwhelmed me at that moment but for some reason I began to feel at peace.

In so many areas of my life I have settled for less. I've been fearful of what might happen. This summer I followed Jesus to KY because I felt him wanting to do big things in my life. He has and so far it has been horrible, to be honest! With change I am learning you MUST become broken first, and I sure have been broken. This 'Dream Big' theme is my theme for the year. Jesus reminded me of this on the 4th of July as we drove down the street. On a fence someone had spray painted the words, 'DREAM BIG.' It was a great reminder.

So here is to Jesus picking up the pieces, and to the dreams in the making...

Memorial Day - Bike Lexington

On a mission to enjoy everything Lexington has to offer!

After searching for bike routes around town we came across 'Bike Lexington' which is a 10 mile family fun bike ride around downtown Lexington and UK's campus. We really didn't know what the day would have to offer but soon enough we would. Over 1000 bike riders came out to enjoy the ride. People of all ages, look at this little guy. He just kept peddling. How cute :D

The weather started out beautiful but the Lord had other plans. Just at around mile 8 it started to down pour. At first I wasn't to fond of the idea of getting wet but after a little while I started to enjoy it. Some times in life you just need to dance in the rain and laugh, we well just danced with bikes!


This was Lara's first long distance ride and she did great finishing 16 miles with no problem! The rain didn't even get in her way at all!

What a ride and what a way to enjoy Memorial Day. The Lord is truly blessing us with health and the ability to explore his creation. May the Lord continue to strengthen us and allow our bodies to be his temples.

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. ~1 Corinthian 6:19