I got to spend some time this weekend with my family for Father's Day, a little early. It was so good to get to see and fellowship with those who love you so unconditionally. It was a soul refresher. But it's funny how your notion of home changes. Now East Tennessee is home & I wouldn't want it any other way.
As I mentioned last week, I would be starting the Naptime Diaries ABIDE journal this week. Everyday of this eight week journey, I will post a verse and what I've taken away for that day. I'm interested to see how my faith changes during this time.
I have been so keen on finding my purpose lately. Struggling to understand if I am where I should be. I got the humbling reminder I needed this morning. It's not about me and my purpose. It's about God and his purpose. If I would take the time to "Abide and stand in HIS love," I would not feel so unsure.
"Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself." 1 Corinthians 6:19
Y'all. The stars have aligned. It is National Doughnut/Donut Day! Y'know what that means? FREE Donuts. So in honor of this momentous occasion, I give you all my fave donut inspired products.
Why hasn't anyone invented the Coffee IV yet? Since that's probably ineffecitve/illegal/heart attack inducing - we'll just stick with music that'll give you a pep in your step. Lord know I need it.
Seeing as I drove off with the gas pump still in my tank this morning, I probably need it most. FAIL.
Singlehandedly one of my greatest accomplishments. The day I finished the Chicago Marathon last year. My knees will probably never be able to handle another one. But I am so grateful for completing it. It's National Running Day today - so get out there & pound the pavement.
As a grandchild of a preacher, it's instilled in you from the time you exit the womb - you are going to church. But recently it's been difficult to find a place that works for the fiance & I. It's difficult to find a church that meets the needs of young professionals. It's a minority that gets lost in the shuffle of parents, teens & elders. Somewhere in the shuffle it's the last on the priority list of most churches, in my experience, but it's the group that's seeking the most answers.
I dislike how people choose to take parts of the bible literally and parts of it metaphorically. To be honest, I don't entirely care what the bible says. I care more about how Jesus lived. How he showed compassion, grace and understanding to everyone.
Maybe that's the struggle. Finding a church that won't condemn, won't ask me to be submissive to my husband, or suggest that I should stop "drinking", etc. I will stand by my husband, not under him. I will have a glass of wine if I want to. I know that makes me no less of a Christian. I will make mistakes & I will ask for forgiveness. But I know I am loved no less than I was before my sins.
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8
I do my devotional almost every day. I've come to terms that this may be my church for now. I've been doing the Jesus Calling devotional for years, but I'm excited to start a new one. Naptime Diaries recently came out with an ABIDE Journal. I just ordered mine - and I look forward to starting this 8 week study that will force me to dig deeper.
Last night I got to reunite with some of my fellow AOII pledge class sisters. There is something that just makes your heart swell watching as one of your sisters gets married to the love of her life and getting to share that moment with the group of incredible women who helped shape who you are. Reliving our hilarious college experiences, dancing to the backstreet boys and watching one of us start the next exciting chapter of her life just makes my heart swell with joy.
