In Every Season

On my heart and mind as of late:

Hillsong United // Tear Down the Walls // "Desert Song"

This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

I will bring praise // I will bring praise

No weapon formed against me shall remain

I will rejoice // I will declare

God is my victory and He is here

All of my life // In every season
You are still God

I have a reason to sing

I have a reason to worship

 This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow

Music // Latest From Gungor

Ok.
Cello. Guitar. Beatboxing. Clapping.
Plus, the instrument Lisa is playing which I can’t even identify…
Inspired.
I literally looked up cello lessons in my area after seeing this video.

This song is from Gungor's latest, Ghosts Upon the Earth, which released this past Tuesday.
My favorite song on the album is "This Is Not The End,"
but I love this acoustic version of "When Death Dies." To see where they're coming from on this album,
check out their blog HERE.

The overall feel of this album is quite different from
Ancient Skies and Beautiful Things. It leaves a bit more melancholy and mysterious impression
with the life themes that are explored.
I like that about Gungor,
they aren't afraid to do something outside of what is expected of them.
The musical granduer is still present, and the lyrics are still very honest and deep.
These are songs that should really be listened to, not just serve as background music

I would say it's perfect music for a rainy day road trip.
Unless you don't like driving in the rain, that is.
In that case, it's the perfect album to ponder
over tea while gazing out the rain stained window.

 

Gungor // Ghosts Upon the Earth // "When Death Dies"

Still Ponderings

"The little moments of life are profoundly important precisely because they’re the little moments that you live in and that form you. This is where I think that "Big Drama Christianity" gets us into trouble. It can cause us to devalue the significance of the little moments of life and the "small-change" grace that meets us there. And because we devalue the little moments where we live, we tend to not notice the sin that gets exposed there and don't seek the grace that’s offered us there. You see, the character of a life is not set in two or three dramatic moments, but in 10,000 little moments. The character that was formed in those little moments is what shapes how you respond to the big moments of life.

What leads to significant personal change? 10,000 moments of personal insight and conviction, 10,000 moments of humble submission, 10,000 moments of foolishness exposed and wisdom gained, 10,000 moments of sin confessed and sin forsaken, 10,000 moments of courageous faith, 10,000 choice points of obedience, 10,000 times of forsaking the kingdom of self and running toward the kingdom of God, 10,000 moments when we abandon worship of the creation and give ourselves to worship of the Creator. And what makes all of this possible? Relentless, transforming, little-moment grace. You see, Jesus is Emmanuel not just because he came to earth, but because he makes you the place where he dwells. This means he’s present and active in all the [seemingly] mundane moments of your daily life. And what is he doing? In these small moments he’s delivering every redemptive promise he’s made to you. In these unremarkable moments, he’s working to rescue you from you and transform you into his likeness. By sovereign grace he places you in daily little moments that are designed to take you beyond your character, wisdom and grace so that you’ll seek the help and hope that can only be found in him. In a lifelong process of change, he’s undoing you and rebuilding you again; exactly what each one of us needs!"

-Paul Tripp
(emphasis, mine)

 Still Ponderings // Pencil drawing from earlier this year.

Pondering on these words today.

Sometimes it's overwhelming to think about where I am vs. where I should be.

Even "corporate" Christianity is all about attending the next big thing,
going to this/that concert,
buying this/that book...
Or you're not "spiritual enough."
And I do love books and conferences and all that good stuff,
but I definitely see were it can elevate "big drama" faith,
makes me a bit discontent,
and put my reliance on the next big thing.
And it's not about that.

It's about grace.

God's day to day,
ever constant,
ever faithful,
in and throughout every big/little/mundane moment grace that sustains me,
upholds me in my weak hour, sends me soaring on wings of eagles. 

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15

Grace. I am nothing without you.

Ten Years // September 11th

This image speaks volumes about the aftermath of September 11th, 2001.
A young woman at the grave of her fiance.

One of the most moving works that I've seen from the past decade.

Photograph by John Moore for Getty Images.

Read the story behind the scene HERE.

God, bless America.

Sparkling.

I've been saying that summer is ending, fall is coming, etc. 

But with 95+ days still in the forecast, 

I'm not so certain that it's the time for apple cider and pie yet.

Nothing says it's still summer like an afternoon out on kayaks with an awesome friend!

Sparkling water.

Reflections.

 Water is my favorite element. So beautiful!

Good times with a good friend. So many years of memories with Natalie.

Thankful for the past years, excited for what the future ones hold!

Late Night Ahead

It's Tuesday night. And here I am, with a long night of homework ahead.

I try not to think about the fact that this work was assigned a week ago.

And that I had a three day weekend to complete it.

Ah ya yay. When will I learn? Hopefully soon.

My awesome friend bought me this lovely planner to help me manage my time. 

So far it's working..

 

...somewhat, that is!

Summer Ending

Summer celebrations.

Camping. My favorite summer past time. 

Summer doodles.

Summer night dinner at the newlywed best friend's place. My friends make fabulous housewives. :)

Summer hues: minted polish.

Inspire // Surreal

Found these images via GraphicDesignBlog.Org.

Interesting works of art.

They perplexed me, forcing me to take a second glance.

(Click each image to follow the link).

Let's sail away to the moon?

My favorite:

Joining Rachel at Finding Joy today.