far better things.

There are far better things ahead than any we have left behind- CS Lewis

I had breakfast the other morning with a friend at one of my favorite spots in West Side Provisions. We sat down over coffee, oatmeal, and tofu scramble chatting about our shared industry and Savior.

We discussed the ups and downs of living off on our own, the love of city life, and the challenges of bringing light into the workplace. I left with a full tummy and a full heart.

Before our breakfast, I had been struggling with a pressure unknown to my own heart. I didn’t know until she pointed it out. She wasn’t even talking about me, but I knew Papa God was. And suddenly, in a couple sentences, the Lord revealed truth through another person. And it freed me.

“It’s okay my daughter. 

It is wonderful that you are different.

 I created you this way.”

There are dreams, certain desires, and goals that are mine. No one can steal your dreams, but they can certainly crush them. So many times we find ourselves searching for some way to accomplish our dreams in a fashion that other people will find acceptable. Talk about tiresome.

Sometimes the things we leave behind (like old friends, home towns, etc.) are still trying to hold us in the past. In the “behind.” But I want to press forward…

The alternative is that our savior created a way for us to accomplish our dreams and goals without remodeling them to fit inside everyone else’s parameters. Thankfully, if we consecrate our will to His will our desires become what He desires and our heart is His heart. {Isaiah 6:8}

The Lord knows the desires of my heart. They are unconventional because my Jesus was the most “unconventional.”

Those words were exactly what I needed to hear. The Holy Spirit whispers it to me every day. And it is where I find my confidence. {I am wonderfully made… proverbs 139:14}

i am glad i left a certain mindset and certain desires behind. committing my will to His is allowing His work to become complete in me. i cant wait for whats ahead. for the things the Lord will do through my life, the people i am going to touch in His name, the children i will raise in a supernatural way, the marriage God planned in advance for me. i am excited for the better. truly i am blessed beyond measure.

There are far, far better things ahead of us.

creative spark.

My uncle david is a true source of musical inspiration. Not that my parents are not; they have encouraged me through all my musical endeavors. But my uncle has a true taste for music. It has passed through his children and over to me. One day, when my mandolin skills surpass novice, the family will all play together. His bangitar is really cool.

He sent a text the other day with a new band – The RendCollective. Well, new to me.

While I work- I listen to their albums over and over. They are so anointed and powerfully brought together.

Yesterday one line from the song Desert Soul just struck me.

“holy spirit, I am lost without your creative spark in me”

When I think of all the things I’ve done in the past out of my own strength, it’s no wonder how I’ve failed.

Then i saw this tweet saying: success always takes help. Failure is done alone.

And those two things lines up in my mind and I had to stop and just thank God. I am so thankful for the great helper we have in the Holy Spirit. And that he wants to help with the smallest thing (in our mind) and also in the greatest things we will ever do. How many times have I relied on my flesh to get me through; or attempted something on my own strength- then failing – asked why?

The Lord sent us the ultimate helper and nurturer, he is available for us. I am overwhelmed by this goodness.

But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be my witnesses. Acts 1:8

In o t h e r news:

I met Lisa Bevere. A life goal which was birthed over the summer came to fruition at the end of January in Nashville. My friend Karri got to pray and speak with her for some time. I was more blessed by listening to their conversation then I could even think about getting face time with Lisa. But the next morning I made an effort and spoke with her at the merch table. That lady is so full of wisdom and anointing – I would have sat with her for hours just soaking up her knowledge. Thank the Lord she writes! My valentine gave me her newest – Girls with Swords- and I cannot wait to read it!

Also, I read two books in January: Undaunted by Christine Cain and The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. I would recommend reading both, specifically the Circle Maker and I would tell you to read it right now. If you want to revolutionize your prayer life and understand what constant, dependent, strong prayer looks like- this is the tool.

A few things I cant get enough of right now-

1.Gel nails (I started and now I don’t want to stop)

2. Waking up at 6 am

3. Breakfast food dates

4. Kari Jobe

5.Antico

6. My new glasses

mb.