what stirs you?

that has been a question that i believe will continue to be answered throughout life. as i was looking back through sermon notes from the village church, i came across it once again...

What stirs your heart and mind up for Jesus Christ?

Paul addresses it in the book of Colossians, but there again the answer is different for each one of us. it's a question we must answer. we can't ignore the weight of it. do you have a genuine affection for Christ? are you wholly following the Lord?

what is it that turns your head? is it the things of this world? is it being successful? is it achieving a goal? or being awarded for what you have done? what is it that keeps you going? what is your purpose for waking up each day? what is it that keeps you pressing forward?

we have to filter through what we are and find who we are. its a process of being honest. transparent. real. and then when it's all stripped away and pulled back you see the very core of who you are. saved by grace alone. bought with the very blood of Jesus Christ. He alone is the core of who i am. why i live each day. he is the reason why my heart is stirred. why i have joy. love. laughter. hope. grace. and freedom. for He brings restoration to my soul.

as you believe. proclaim. and stand upon the truth of who you are in Christ. you must answer the next question...

how is your mind set on christ?

the mind is constantly battling the words of the world. it is a part of us that struggles the most. it is deceived easiest. and it is the place where satan attacks us consistently. you must define what truth is in your mind so that when false words or unbelief come you will be able to discern between them. guarding your mind is a daily battle. we must shield it from the smallest attacks. we must fill our minds with Christ and Him alone. we must KNOW our Maker in a deeper way. by seeing Him in all things. giving thanks for even the basics of life, such as being able to even read these very words and to have the mind to think upon such things. when we recognize Him then we are stirred. stirred to seek him out with greater pursuit. to genuinely know our almighty God. not withholding anything.

10 days

i took a road trip may 26 - june 4 to the Ozarks and I do have to say it was absolutely more than I could've asked for!!


Stop #1 : Conway, AR


i spent the first couple days with one of my best friends, Emily. we basically played the whole time i was there. we climbed pinnacle mtn in a huge thunderstorm, ventured to the top of the peabody hotel to get the last glimpses of a beautiful sunset, and then ate at flying fish. a unique fish cousine in downtown little rock. we stayed up talking until the late hours of the night. oh how i love those moments. i am so thankful for this friend. what a blessing it was to get time with her! (pictures coming soon...)


Stop #2 : Fayetteville, AR


from conway i headed to northwest arkansas to spend time with two other of my best friends, garrett and stephanie peters. we did so many different things which doesn't surprise me with these two...probably my most adventurous friends i have! i love it though because you just never know what you will be doing. :) steph and i found a mullberry tree at this park we walked at. if you haven't tried mullberries, you should! we cooked fajitas (one of my favorite meals), played phase 10, played settlers of catan, went to the farmer's market downtown, planted some fruits and veggies, hiked around natural falls, ate at a catfish house, played put put, went to church, and ate some more. it was soo much fun to see them and get extended time at their house! definitely wish i lived closer!

Stephanie & I on the hunt for some good produce.

We did it! Bags in hand full of good stuff!

Stop #3: Branson/Lampe, MO

sunday afternoon I headed to Branson, Missouri. it's a place that every kid wants to be during the summer months...at Kanakuk Kamps. i met up with one of my best friends, Bekah. all the staff from kamp were on a night off which was great because i got to see a lot more people than i was expecting. before heading back to Lampe (which is where K2 is) we stopped at the imfamous Andy's Frozen Custard. it was out of control with all the people there but so worth it.

Madi (past camper), Me, and Beks

from sunday until friday i was at kamp. i just love that place. i spent 5 summers working there and it never gets old...well kamp doesn't, but i do. :) now that i am 25, i have past campers who are now counselors. some of those are even on leadership. it's crazy how time flies and now my kids have their own kids. what joy it brings to my heart to see my campers investing into other students. to challenge them in their walk with the Lord. to share the ups and downs of life with them. and to point them to the cross. there is no greater privilege.

every conversation i had and time spent with my dearest friends and past campers was more than i could ask for. the fellowship i had during these 10 days was truly refreshing to my soul and spirit. each friend the Lord has graciously blessed me with have sharpened, refined and challenged to become more like Him.