I grew up in the piney woods of East Texas, and am proud to say I managed to escape with only a hint of the drawl we’re so famous for…i.e. Matthew McConaughey for those unfamiliar with this local vernacular. I was raised in a loving family and although I would have called myself a Christian growing up, I never actually knew Him as my Savior…only about Him. I went to college at Texas A&M University (whoop!), and it was there that God began to awaken my heart, seemingly for the first time. Two of the most life changing milestones in my walk with Him happened during those four years. I met Him as my Savior, and I learned that it was possible to be completely sold out to Him! Everything changed after that.
When I graduated, I began working as an architect in my college town, then moved to Dallas five years ago for another job. I didn’t really know anyone here when I moved, and I had no idea what He had in store for me – but it’s been quite a ride so far! He’s given me AMAZING friends along the way…to sharpen me, to encourage me, to laugh with me…to just live life with. From them, I have learned so much about what it looks like to really love well…how to be vulnerable and real, how to be myself, how to communicate my thoughts…and my feelings…which even though I’m female, does not come particularly naturally to me at times! I’ve learned the power and beauty that comes from laughter, and I make it my personal goal to laugh as often as possible…or make others laugh, as that brings me an equal amount of joy.
As God has been very purposefully ordering my steps these last few years, I’ve crossed paths with some awesome min
istries that have literally changed the course of my life many times. IHOP and Bill Johnson to name a few! I love that God gives us those landmarks along the way, moments when His Truth suddenly makes sense and takes root – they are pivital moments for us to look back on and marvel at how amazing our God is! I like to write them on the mirror in my bathroom so I am reminded of them every day…
He is so good, so persistent, so tender, so creative, so faithful, so unexpected. He’s been both simplifying and stretching my faith as I’ve begun to really surrender all of my life to Him – little by little. The more I’ve gotten to know Him, the more I want to know Him…it’s this beautiful paradox that confounds my mind and captivates my heart. I love it! I was made for this! Really, everyone was made for this! And you know, I don’t want to be one who only talks about and dreams about these things, I want to WALK this abundant life out! So if prayer really can bring Heaven to earth, I want to walk in that reality…if God really offers power and authority to His children, I want to walk in that…if He really will use broken but willing vessels to further His Kingdom…I want to walk in that! This journey really is a grand adventure…and I can’t wait to see all He has in store!
