Yogaho yogaho!

"... be content with what you have, because God has said,
'Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.'"
-Hebrews 13:5

Psalm 73:20-28

"When you arise, O Lord,

you will laugh at their silly ideas

as a person laughs at dreams in the morning. Then I realized that my heart was bitter,

and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant—

I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you;

you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel,

leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you?

I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,

but God remains the strength of my heart;

he is mine forever. Those who desert him will perish,

for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God!

I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter,

and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do."

I think flannel shirts are the most perfect things ever invented.

Summerspiration

Dreamy dreamboat

It's funny...

It's funny how when your life finally slows down, all the issues that got left in the dust of your busyness manages to, well, catch up with you. It's funny how when your life quiets down, all the noise that your loudness successfully drowned out is surprisingly more -- audible.

(and by funny I mean perturbing.)

I praise God that I have deeper peace than my circumstances would care to display. I praise God that his love is an anchor for my soul...really I do, because honestly, everything else is in constant motion these days: circumstances, feelings, locations, companions, desires..etc. If I didn't belong to a faithful God who loves unendingly, I'd have nothing to hold on to. Sure I experience heartbreak, worry, depression, loneliness and anger like any other human, but it's what happens next that is the miracle. Before I settle into dismay, Gods spirit tenderly comforts me. He teaches me, corrects me and reminds my heart of fiercely hopeful truths and promises if I am open to him. He changes everything. Him. Not religion, not spirituality, not optimism, not stuff, adventures, people or better circumstances.

I forget about him and I push him away often, but HE is the faithful one. He is patient, loving and wise. I am never alone. Please ask me about Jesus if you don't know him in this way. You need to. We all have the same opportunity to walk this life with him and enjoy and share his love. The invitation is wiiiide open to all, but not for long. He is coming back for those who belong to him. We will finally be with him face to face. Man... unadulterated freedom, acceptance, peace, joy, and true love. For those who reject him the opposite will be true: punishment, sadness and separation. But here and now it is NOT too late to ask him to rule your heart and to be utterly fulfilled by his sweet love, peace and joy.

Want freedom? Seek Jesus. He has proved himself more powerful than death, sin, disease and my terribly fickle and weary heart. You, your problems, your habits, your family, your worries and your hurts are not too much for him.

"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:1-3 NLT)

"Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet ...(Hebrews 12:12NIV)

"...If only you would listen to his voice today! The LORD says, “Don’t harden your hearts..." (Psalm 95:7, 8 NLT)

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6 NIV)

I like men. They inspire me to be simple.

Two years ago (from last friday the15th) I was baptized by my close friend, and roommate at the time, Camille. Two years later, through lots and lots and lots of messy messes, and through even more blessings, I want to declare that God is the most gracious, loving, faithful God. There is no God like him. He is still drowning me in His grace and love. He is still teaching me. I love Him, and every joy, trial, lesson, disappointing, blessing...etc has been entirely worth it. His Spirit in me is all my hope and strength. Keep sustaining me Father; Have your way.


P.s. I am taking this first part of summer to truly rest before I start work and eventually school again. I am so excited and can't wait to spend it with Jesus and with my friends and family. Rest rest rest. Thank you God. He surely knows what we need.

Dear Jesus,

"...you have won me. You have broken every chain with love and mercy. You have triumphed over death and you are worthy of glory and praise..."

Love,
Heather

From the desert

"...Onward brokenhearted soldier

into the great unknown.

Lay down your weapons and follow

into the light of the sun.

When I couldn't walk any further,

I fell to my knees to pray.

With my final breath I cried out,

in the blowing wind I heard you say:

Onward onward good soldier

into the great unknown

hear the golden trumpet sounding

calling the tired soldiers home..."

To the Desert

By: The Branches

Wisdom for the ages

Summer at last

Cheers to the first tastes of sweet, sweet summer...

Rest rest ressssssst and jamming under a lemon tree

 Bro-bro did it!

Best friend time

 Farmers market with my favorite baby girl

 TurbanTeaTuesdays 

Lil' boobie 

 TurbanTeaTuesday (redneck edition...easily the most flattering picture of me in existence)

  Volcanic party hats

 Post underwater photo shoot (photos to come)

 Roommates

... here's to the whole summer feast still ahead! <3

Soggy bottom girls

 Just two years later and all we're missing is Jess :)

Phay knows a thing or two about a thing or two.

An afternoon at sea

This last Saturday was one of the funnest, summeriest days of my life! I spent it with some of my best friends swimming in a stormy sea under stormy clouds. The day was fancy free and full of love, fun, joy, friendship and youthful spirit. It concluded with good food, warm tea, and a house full of laughter (and smize practice: second to last photo). Straight up medicine for the soul. Thank you, thank you, thank you God for restful and inspiring days like this.

Turban tea tuesday