A New Artist

I recently discovered a new (to me) artist, Brooke Fraser.  She's a singer/songwriter from New Zealand, and I really like her stuff.  I bought her entire album, "Albertine" just minutes after I heard it.  And that's saying something.

My favorite song right now is "Hymn."  I love the piano and violins.  Ah!  And it has been the prayer on my heart since I heard it.

"Hymn"

If to distant lands I scatter

If I sail to farthest seas

Would you find and firm and gather 'til I only dwell in Thee?

If I flee from greenest pastures

Would you leave to look for me?

Forfeit glory to come after

'Til I only dwell in Thee

If my heart has one ambition

If my soul one goal to seek

This my solitary vision 'til I only dwell in Thee

That I only dwell in Thee

'Til I only dwell in Thee 

Kids in Kenya

Today, these 15 kids (and a few adults) leave for Kenya.  I've watched most of them grow up in our church and can't believe they're old enough to go half way around the world.  I am so excited for them!  And I kind of wish I could go along.

I've had several of the girls in my Winter Weekend group (aka Disciple Now), and they have the most amazing hearts.  I cannot wait to see how the Lord uses them and opens their eyes to the wonderful things He will do in Kenya.

Our old youth pastor, Tom Stickney, and his wife, Kerry, and their two kids are moving to Kenya to live there full time and take over the ministry his dad started years ago.  It will be quite an adjustment, I'm sure, but I can't wait to hear more about their time their as well.  You can read their blog here.  This is the third year they've gone to Kenya with our youth in the summer, and the Stickneys will stay there after the kids leave.

Linley, one of the girls headed to Kenya today, wrote this:

"That's why I'm going to Kenya. Because I need to tell people that God is the same God who has been around since the beginning of time...and even before then."

They will be in Kenya from July 6 through July 22.  Will you pray for them?

White Space & Running

White Space
When I was in Yearbook in High school, we talked about designing pages with white space to let the reader's eye "rest".  I found that the pages I was drawn to look at over and over again had just enough white space to help me see what was really important. 

The same is true for many of the blogs I enjoy reading.  I found that I really like the ones with the simple design and just enough white space.  So I decided to change my blog design up a bit.  We'll see how long it lasts; I was just ready for a bit of a change.  (Sometimes I get antsy to redecorate or rearrange.  Just the other day, I was rearranging my apartment in my head.  Just for fun.)

Running
About two months ago, I started running.  If you know me at all, you must know that I don't work out.  Ever.  I've been blessed with a very fast metabolism that enables me to eat at Sonic and any other fast food restaurant without it affecting my waistline.  Now before you get all jealous on me, just think about how unhealthy that really is, and then think about what that's doing to my insides that I can't see.  Nope--not a very pretty picture! 

I started jogging and walking in two-minute segments {it's affectionately known as "wogging" now}.  It was actually kind of embarrassing that I could barely run two minutes straight.  I have a very sweet friend that's been so encouraging through this entire process, and we often run together.  I used to not be able to run and carry on a conversation.  Now, it's much better.  At one point, I could run up to 15 minutes without stopping.  I took about five days off in a row, though, so I've got to work back up to that.  I'm training for a 5k in about three weeks, and I've got to get myself in gear!  While I don't always enjoy the actual running (though some days, I do), I really enjoy the results and knowing that I'm taking better care of myself.  And the muscles I've discovered in my legs are pretty cool.  :-) 

Tying it all together
Last night I ran by myself in my parents' neighborhood.  The weather was actually cool, and there were just a few sprinkles.  It was so uncharacteristic of a day in June, and I couldn't believe it.  I feel horrible for the people affected by the hurricane that's headed for the Texas coast, but I'm grateful for the cooler weather it's bringing.

My iPod was dead, so I didn't have anything to occupy my head while I was running.  Sometimes I get really bored when I run alone.  But I decided that I would make the most of it, and used that time to pray instead.  If we've talked in the last month at least, know that you were probably prayed for last night! 

Yesterday's run provided my head (and heart) with some much-needed White Space.  A chance to rest while running, if you will.

Matthew 11:28-30 says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Please Pray for Baby Smith

My good friend, Gentry, has some cousins that just had a very premature baby about a week ago.  Smith Randle Bailey was born weighing 1 pound, 8 ounces.  The photos of this tiny, precious baby will melt your heart and bring you to your knees.

{Photo found here}

This especially hits home with me because I was a premature baby, and I also work for a non-profit that funds research on preventing prematurity in babies.  I see things like this often, but when it's someone you {kind of} know, it really brings things into perspective.  Wow.

Smith's parents are Kori and Jon, and I know this little family covets our prayers.  Will you join me?