Pressing on my heart--relationship. A nudge to unpack and tackle what my insecurities are. Learning to unveil myself, be naked and vulnerable to our Lord so that He can really change me.

It took some time getting used to the yellow landscape of the central coast. But a few hours into the drive I started to appreciate it. In fact, I found myself stopping often to capture a picture of the golden hills contrasting with the grey sky. Unexpected. I loved everything about this last short roadtrip--the spontaneity, the company, the relaxation, the nature. But I was not anticipating that one of the highlights of this trip was spending time talking to my friend's aunt and uncle, who graciously housed us the past couple nights. My friend and I found ourselves drawn to the wise words and amazing testimonies that the couple shared with us on our way in and out of the house, during meals, and in passing. I was blessed beyond measure by their hospitality, love, and faith in God. They shared stories of hardship and peace, loss and providence, heartbreak and love. It was really really amazing to hear about the transformations that took place in their lives as they committed themselves to prayer and trust in the Lord. This morning my friend and I drove away talking nonstop about how encouraging and challenged we were to live boldly in our faith because of our time with the couple. I found myself wanting what they had. The joy that they had was so apparent in all that they did. I want to be able to bless others in the same way and exude the same kind of joy found in Christ. I'm so thankful for these unexpected blessings that remind me that God is ALWAYS looking after us.

We are not meant to be seen as God's perfect, bright-shining examples, but to be seen as the everyday essence of ordinary life exhibiting the miracle of His grace...The routine of life is actually God's way of saving us between our times of great inspiration which come from Him. Don't always expect God to give you His thrilling moments, but to learn to live in those common times of the drudgery of life by the power of God.

Drudgery is the test of genuine character.

Words that are speaking Truth to me this week.
For the past several months I've been experiencing a lull in my spiritual life. No inspirational words, no strong convictions, no revelations or epiphanies. Silence. And in the midst of the silence, I understood the season of my life--relying less on my own feelings and desires as I depend more on Truth and discipline. But along the way, I got lost. The days seemed to pass quickly and I got used to the mundane, the complacency. I lost sight of how God played a key role in my life even in drudgery. I'm reminded of God's perfect timing and unique ways of speaking to His beloved children.

Thank you for always pursuing even when we are not, for being the perfect Lover, Friend, and Father.