Mylo Xyloto

It's a sunny day in Chi-town and I am absolutely loving it. Enjoying this day off at Starbucks (you know, the one 30 seconds from my house!) drinking my skinny hazelnut latte, listening to Coldplay's new album, Mylo Xyloto (amazing album by the way) and feeling quite inspired. 

I'm just happy. Happy I'm breathing. Happy I'm alive. Happy I'm living for someONE greater than I. 

I never know what my "tomorrows" hold but I trust the One who has numbered them. I want to live my life enjoying the simple things. The things we all too often take for granted. I just find myself so thankful today; thankful for life. Waking up everyday is a gift! I do not want to waste my days living for myself; living a vain, selfish lifestyle. I want my life to be purposed. So I choose to live each day with purpose. I have the option whether or not I will live for myself or live for the One who created me. The choice is easy! 

Yours Truly,

Me

I'm a Lover.

I woke up this morning with a smile on my face. Not because I had some amazing dream, or because I was about to embark on a fun day, but simply because I am in love. I am in love with my Creator. Waking up in His presence....well, there are just no words. I am truly a lover of His presence.

More than ever have I lived my life with an awareness of His presence around me and His power within me. It's crazy how different we would live our lives if we knew the power within us. We would operate a little different, well, a lot different.

When you passionately pursue God and receive His Word by faith, you'll be surprised what can happen in His presence. Everything you are not, He is. Thats why I love him. When you are weak, He will be your strength. When you are powerless, He will be your power. When you are broken, He will make you whole. When you are hopeless, He will be your hope. When you are sad, His joy will be made complete within you. When you are anxious, He will be your Peace. He is everything you will ever need. How could you not be in love with Him? I cannot and will not deny my love for my Creator.

Do not simply love out of duty, but love with purpose. You will find a whole new reason to live. Trust me!

Yours Truly,
Me

I Feel So Much Lighter Now

Being love isn't always easy. When we are dealing with the stresses of our own lives, the worries each day may bring about; whatever it is, being love can be a challenge.

Being love doesn't mean you have to necessarily go out of your way to give a stranger the biggest hug or tell them how amazing they are (although that is a nice thought), but it can be as simple as a smile or hello. This week I have realized how impacting just a smile or a hello can truly be. 

I have a Starbucks literally 30 seconds away from my house that I frequent, almost on a daily basis (call me crazy!). Just this morning, I saw this gentlemen, probably in his 50's, pouring his half n half into his cup of joe at the bar. I noticed a sorrow in his eyes and headed my way towards him (while pretending that I needed to add more cream to my coffee!) ;) I simply said hello and made small talk about how coffee is what keeps us going! I asked him where he was headed today, and ended the conversation with encouragement for the day ahead of him and he walked off with his head held a little higher. 

It took nothing on my end but a simple hello and interest in his life. Not only did he walk away feeling a little bit better, but so did I. I realize how much I love people. Setting aside my own stresses and worries and being love to others is rewarding. Brings a smile to my face. You should try it! You'll be surprised how much lighter you will feel too! 

Must Be Dreaming

New city, new church, new youth ministry, new home, new job, new people....new life! What can I say? I must be dreaming.

At times this all seems to good to be true and other times, I remember how hard I've worked to get where I am today and know full well God's hand is on my life.

As you can see, this is my first post on my new blog. I have so many family and friends asking to keep them updated on my new life in Chicago. Yes, thats right...Chi-Town! I've been here just a few short weeks and already can say "it feels like home!" If you're up for joining me on this journey in Chicago from afar, then feel free! It's going to be a great adventure. 

Enjoy the journey of life, from where I stand.

Yours Truly,

Me

Heather Gray (Pastor Daniel Gray's adorable wifey) and I at the TRU Student Ministries "All White B2SB!" It was a great first youth service for me to be apart of. Love Daniel and Heather so much already. 

A few of the TRU Student Ministries leadership! Great bunch!