New Hope & [Light]

Hey [faithful] New Hope Crew, 

It has been on my heart to send a little note of encouragement your way from our crossing at church..  

When I came to New Hope's service for the first time, I was completely humbled simply by the light that flooded the sanctuary. It had been so long since I had worshiped and listened in the bright and tender rays of God.  If you've been to Riverview, you know that our place is not quite as illuminated :) 

I left on my way to Riv, and was overcome with loads and loads of tears.  Knowing the gospel that Mark Kring had just preached & clearly feeling the revealing touch of light in my soul - my blindness to some dark parks of my walk were touched by something that I hadn't felt in a long time.

I'd love to say that all I see is refreshing beauty in these hidden parts - but instead I've been unraveling a tangled ball of yarn that hopes to be knit into something intricately bold, beautiful, and useful.  

So, for your persistence and request to have me attend, for your faithfulness and stewardship in spreading New Hope's vision - and for sitting next to me as God shined into the deepest chambers of my heart. I am grateful for your grace.

Because of God's light, Matthew 5:37 is probably my biggest conviction right now. I pray that the tender loving care God began in that pew at New Hope, will continue to shine on planted seeds of hope for restoration. 

A reminder for you with all my heartfelt thanks [Matthew 25:21]

Love,

Lauren

Light(bulbs) & Questions.

Just received a heartfelt text from a dear friend. It was so beautifully scripted that I had to share in some social media form. Since it was over 140 characters, Twitter was out.  Facebook couldn't be an option because I felt that the words wouldn't be read with the same sincerity as they are on here.

"....Remember that no matter what you are hesitant to shed light on - He sees an artfully, wonderfully made child.  His Spirit spills out of you through strength AND weakness, and His glory is revealed in the trueness of your humanity.  I see Him alive in you, and it is breathtaking.  You are a treasure. xo"

I easily forget that when darkness falls, Christ still has the power to shine light.  Soul searching, deep reaching, radiant, warm, beaming light.

I hide, I fear, I doubt, I question.
I fear,
I FEAR,
I fear.

What ifs and whens?
Hows and whys?

Why nots?
Who?
.....Again!?
Are you sure?

It's impossible.
Me?
Really?
Good one.

Seriously?
Not that.
Nope.
That's mine.

Fine.
Here's a piece.
All of it?
C'mon.
You don't want it.
It's ugly.
It's SO ugly.....thats what makes it beautiful?

Not for me.
No one wants me.

"Yes, you."
Beautifully created, fearfully made, hand crafted in the image of Yahweh - It's you.  This little light of yours.  Let it shine.

Let it shine.
Let it shine.

'da Nonno

I miss him.  The beauty of being a believer is knowing that God's got it all under control. My family asked me to choose the readings for the Catholic Mass we are having soon.  Touched by this honor and time God was giving me, I was able to reflect in the way I do best - through writing.  So why am I sharing? I believe in God's word and powerful ability it has to heal what has been broken and shed light into what has been dark.

I also want my future husband to know that even though he didn't meet them, I really had the best BEST grandparents a girl could ask for.  So I am writing to virtually document what I hope I get to share with someone someday - the beauty of family - from life to death.

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 shows:)

It is woven in my heart that he was a man of steadfast dedication, a man who stood on rocks when the water swirled around him, a man devoted to the things that God entrusted him with. The beauty of his faith was not that it shouted from roof tops but that it was seen in the simple joys of laughter around the table on the deck, the handsome grilling skills of a pork tenderloin, and his perseverance to serve his wife unconditionally.

(1 Corinthians 2: 6-9 shows:) 

Nonno was a provider, a man in a constant state of worrying and I believe that his heart was constantly praying to God for safety, protection, provision, and comfort. I look forward to seeing the ways in which God has provided these for him in heaven.  How beautiful it will be for him to know the wisdom of true peace.

(John 14:1-6 shows:) 

When was Nonno's table not filled with people, laughter, joy, and love? Every table I sat at with him, he was a leader, a listener, and a man who spoke rarely - but when he did, his family heard.  I didn't know him at work, I didn't know him with friends - but I believe that he sat at his friends tables in quiet tones, soaking in the complex beauty of investing in others.  I believe he BELIEVED that his family did not stop with blood but extended into the neighbors around him, the golfers on the greens, and the people that randomly found their way to his and Nonni's table. 

His last couple of years were full of struggles, hardships, pain, and misery - but I find comfort in John's words.  Nonno has a resting place in heaven that is better than any oxygen tank can provide.  Because of his faithfulness - God has prepared a room for him in heaven filled with gentle ambiance of laughter, love, and peace that overwhelmed his troubled his heart during his home stretch here on earth.

Love ya, Nonno. 

Womanly

I've taken on this challenge of defining what it means to be #Womanly every Wednesday on Twitter, and I find myself in this perplexed movement of diverse opinions.

When a man "Mans up" it is seen as a positive step in the right direction.  When a woman, "Womans-up" we often question her motives, her desires, her confidence, and to be honest - even her sexuality. This all varies depending on the woman you are, the beliefs you have, and the religion you practice.  The ways that you can "woman-up" in your journey appear in the moments where your heart says. "Yes" and your head says, "Nuh-uh!"

The easiest way to talk about this is to directly pertain it to my journey.  The disclaimer is that I walk with Jesus, so much of my "woman-ing up" pertains to obeying scripture and choosing Christ.  If you'll read it, I'd love the challenge of learning more from both perspectives.

However, it is late and I should be getting rest. Let me know your thoughts (men and women!) as I document mine.  

Side Note

*These kinds of debates make me pray especially for wise male friends who separate themselves from society and focus on truth. So much of a woman's perception is skewed because of the opinions of those men who surround her.