Promises.

[All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomes them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.] Hebrews 11:13 &14

This passage comes in Hebrews after Moses, Enoch, and Abraham are talked about, thus "these people" is referring to them.

There is something so profound about holding onto a promise.
This passage so stuck out to me.
Each one of these incredible heroes of the faith saw promises, even though they were far off and yet welcomed them.
There is something so beautiful about that.

"People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own."

Each of these individuals "saw" great promises from a distance and welcomed them.
They welcomed promises that they did not even get to live to see..
why? because, they knew it was so much bigger then them.
And, so it was worth fighting for the fulfillment of the promises even if they didn't get to see the fulfillment with their own eyes.

I don't know about you, but that is some crazy character to me.
I want to live my life in such a way....
that, I see the promises of the future,
and I fight for them to come to pass,
even though I may not see the fulfillment.

Because, friends, IT IS bigger than me.

Peace. Love. Joy.

Home.

Home.
It's this complex place in my heart.

It's funny how when you leave home, and come back you realize the beauty of it you never saw before.
The little things about your hometown you took for granted.

For instance, I never realized how much I loved downtown Frederick, until I left home and then came back to it. And, now, it may be one of my favorite places in this world.

Then, comes the "family" aspect of home.
The beautiful intricacy of family.

It's this raw, real place.
At least for me.
I don't wear any mask...not saying I do everywhere else,
I certainly try to be "raw" and real everywhere.
But, I think there is this certain "me" that can only come out at home.
Maybe it's because you're around people who know your story, and know you better then most?
I am not sure.
All, I know is I have come to find out that the aspect of "family" that makes home, home, is truly wonderful in a hard way.

I find it's when I am "home" that I realize more than ever how much I have grown, as well as how much I need to grow.
There is something so special about being home, that allows these two opposites to come out in flying colors.
It's this wonderful tension.

Well, that may have made no sense at all.
But, it's what was on my heart :) haha.

Peace. Love. Joy.

Narnia.

I love the Narnia films, in fact, I think C.S. Lewis was one of the most brilliant men ever to walk this planet simply because he wrote some epic stuff.

I just saw the newest one out on the big screen; Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and of course my life was changed haha :)

I think C.S. Lewis did an amazing job of Aslan representing the whole trinity, which is such truth...the trinity is the 3 in 1. I love how throughout the movies Aslan represents the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.....so brilliant :)

Aslan has always been my ultimate favorite depiction of who God is out of every other thing my imagination can muster to represent my beautiful Jesus...Aslan is the one that always wins, if Lewis only knew! ;)

Here are some quotes from the movie that really stuck out to me:

"To defeat the darkness out there you must first defeat the darkness inside yourself."

"You doubt your value. Don't run from who you are." (Aslan to Lucy)

"Extraordinary things happen to extraordinary people." (the mouse)

"A noble warrior does not run from fear....c'mon let's meet our destiny."

"Do not let them know your fears or it will become them."

"I can't imagine my Father being very proud of me giving up on what He died for." (Prince Caspian)

"My country was made for noble hearts." (Aslan)

Welp, there ya go! I hope they meant something to you :)

Peace. Love. Joy.

So thankful.

In this holiday season of thankfulness, family, gifts, and yummy food I just want to stop and really be thankful for my life.

God seriously is amazing.
I am so thankful for His never ending love for me.
The fact He never ever gives up on me.
It's amazing.
He is always after my heart, no matter what.

I am so thankful that I am more free than I have ever been...
that, I know who I am more than I ever have,
and that I have experienced His love more than ever.

I am thankful for His constant wooing of my heart.
How His affection towards me is constant.

I am thankful for the dreams He has placed in my heart.
I am thankful that He even allows me to dream with Him...
what a privilege.

I am so thankful for the friends He has placed in my life....
each one so unique, bringing something new out of me.
I love it.

I am so thankful for my family....ahhh!
Words cannot describe how thankful I am for them.
For my parents, whom laid such a brilliant foundation for my life.
To my Dad for teaching me grace and how to love and more than that take care of the down and out.
To my Mom for teaching me love and how to fight.
I am thankful for each of my siblings...
Caitlin, for her wisdom and honesty.
Siobhan, for her joy and child likeness.
Killian, for his heart of justice and sense of black and white.

I am so thankful for the inheritance I have stored up for me.
I am so thankful I have had Nicaragua ingrained in my heart since the age of 8...
and now, it's my second home.

Oh, how thankful I am.
And, that is just the start...
there is so much.

He is just so brilliant to me!!

I encourage you, write out what you are thankful for.
Thankfulness is so powerful, so powerful it literally sanctifies! :)
You will find so much joy oozing out of your heart when you just simply ponder all the things in your life that are amazing, and His goodness towards you!

Peace. Love. Joy.