love

All around is the belief that the exclusivity of love is a hindrance to freedom and expression and socialization and a stranger's affection, and a selfish right that exists for our fulfillment. But an epiphany came to me that revealed how amazingly considerate love is for those who subscribe. Love is set in place to be as much protection as pleasure. Its an insulator and a necessary safe refuge from those who want the ending to the story without reading the book.

sculpture

I can't believe this creature loves me.

the city

Perhaps it doesn't need to be mentioned, but I've realized once again just how much I love the city. Lower case. Not necessarily a particular one. Just the city. I'd like to make it my priority to become friends with all of them. Equally. I'm just as curious with their variety and would like to comfortably weave in and out of them all without hesitation. I have a new particular crush on you, Chicago. You're much more incredible than I thought you'd be.

breaking free

Sometimes, whether right or wrong, its more effective to hear how amazing you are from someone outside of your circle, to see strangers captivated. To my surprise, I have more of an idea of who I am, the power and command that moves with me, after this weekend. I cherish more though when these compliments come from those who know me and love me, but those foreign gestures; the comments, the looks, the toast, came from a professional setting and that's was the difference this time. And I also should add that I fully realize this is the "wonder and awe of Christ in me." This weekend was a lesson in control, confidence and command, and it may be the paper that was torn in two.

By the way, I'm really loving this ensemble: the rich jewel-tone teal, the asymetrical neck, the sumptuous gathered body and waving hem, and those delicious black heels. Perfection.

the windy city

I'm looking forward to what you have for me, Windy City. My expectations are high for so many reasons. May God's Spirit be the element that blows through with Fresh Wind.

peoples.cities.nations

I want to travel the world with you. I want to see distant cities and walk along, passing foreign faces. Oh that we would, through our friendship, find a never-ending zeal for discovery & learning & facsination & awe of the wonders around us. Oh that we would find joy in a greater circle of friendships that move in and out, all around us, overlapping. Out of the United States through Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and back up again. This is the vision before me. A stationary existance is not an option. Four walls of work will not do. Open spaces, a million faces, a stick, a drum, a pen, some threads, a little brood, an iPhone and a Blackberry.

as i go

My mind is full today of thoughts that I don't have words for. I have a knot in my stomach as the veil is even slightly lifted beyond what my life looks like today. I see so many things in front of me that I can't wait to drink up. I long for those day. That's what it is. I'm ecstatic for the things He is revealing.

This is what I can tell you... He won't let me just waltz into authority, influence and inheritance until I know - and fully understand - the reason they are given to me. So when blessings come, I won't be fazed, but have my eyes always fixed on the brokenness of this world.

I sense that miracles abound. These miracles are available to me as I yield my methods and practicality to Him. This must have been the way the disciples felt when He told them to take nothing with them. Having God reveal His provision to me as I go is something that I long for and what I believe God is expecting from me in the coming year. I'm certain that as I obey, my inheritance in the Kingdom will fall down from Heaven around me. Because if I've learned anything from God, its that all I need is what's in my hand today. I thought I needed a loaded bank account. I don't. I thought I needed the right material things to be relevant. I don't. I need the miraculous. I need a relationship that inspires love and commitment for others. I need a beauty that inspires others to embrace themselves as they are. I need a passion that demonstrates an unrelenting nature in others. This is what the world hungers for - a demonstration of Passion, Power and Joy.

little miracles

O God of my heart, who loves me with a seductive passion and an elusive beckoning, You have certainly shown me just how riveting and capable of anything You are...

...You paid off my car - almost the exact amount of the $140 I lost over a year ago. You told me You wouldn't let it go unnoticed. You redeem even the smallest things that are taken. Your Word is to be trusted emphatically. And on the way home tonight I was caught in a terrible rain. You sent an empty bus to take me home - free of charge - to a dry and safe apartment. Please bless the bus driver with an unspeakable blessing for hearing Your voice and obeying.

Its clear that I've entered a season of miracles. They are forerunners sent to prepare me for an array of unmistakable and remarkable happenings that will trump even the greatest things I've seen up until this point.  O God, I want so much more! I confess I've trusted the meaningless and forewent the extraordinary so often. I'm overcome by who You are. Your majesty is calling me to abandon everything else I've known. Your power is changing me, changing me more and more entrusted to carry Your words. You have my heart.

heaven eclipses earth

A worship experience I will not soon forget. The excess melted away by the Passion, Power and Joy of God dwelling in that little forest. He exceeded my expectations, not because of incredible musical talent or showmanship, but because He presented Himself in the strongest of ways, stronger than anything I have ever known. His passion for me, His jealousy is wild and rabid. He will not take no for an answer. He is crazy about me and will not let me go. And out of that seduction I become everything I've hoped to be, and love as I've never loved before.

the herd

The young herd is leaving to join the old herd, and I'm left here alone. But I've been Reassured that there's a plan in place and that I've been left behind for a little herd-making of my own... He gives and He takes away. Blessed is He!

held

At the end of the day, you have to believe that you're the right - and only - person for the job. Because not everything is Held Together, and that which is, can never be separated.

Hillsong United tonight. Can't wait to worship, and see Brooke live!