a thought (or two) on trees My journals, sketchbooks, and anyone who has spent enough time with me know of my love for trees. I still find just as much joy in climbing a tree as I did when I was a little girl- still nothing like sitting up high surrounded by branches swinging from limb to limb. Recently, someone asked me why trees, what draws me to them? I found myself at a loss of words. But after pondering for a while, I realized that most of my fascination would have to do with knowing...
14 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, I hope you had a sweet Thanksgiving! I have been enjoying a slow week here in Richmond filled with lots of books, beverages, and walks as the weather gets cooler here. I have been listening to Poor Bishop Hooper's new album, As Foretold this Advent- it's beautiful, go listen to it!! As Foretold: Part 1 • Poor B... Prologue • Poor Bishop Hoope... PREVIEW Fundraising Update: Thanks to those like you who have given, I have reached my end-of-November goal! Currently, I need about...
19 days ago • 1 min read
Happy Thanksgiving Reader! I listen to the song "Snow" by Sleeping at Last as I write... "Like the petals in our pockets may we remember who we are, unconditionally cared for by those who share our broken hearts." Give it a listen. Snow Sleeping At Last PREVIEW With each passing day, I see more and more how pressures and pains produce the strongest boughs and the deepest wells for the Lord to fill. Truly He does turn mourning into dancing and ashes into beauty. Trees need testing wind to...
25 days ago • 2 min read
Reader, How are you? My heart is full as I write to you — filled with both gratitude to the Lord and expectation for what's ahead. I want to fill you in! The Song Creation Sings "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world." (Psalm 19:1-4)...
29 days ago • 2 min read
Dear Reader, I have the incredible opportunity to proclaim the Gospel to those who have not yet heard in the Middle East, and I want you to join me! For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles; in every place incense shall be offered to My name, and a pure offering; for My name shall be great among the nations,” says the Lord of hosts." Malachi 1:11 This is the desire of the Lord's heart- that every nation will see and sing of the worth of...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader, I hope this letter finds you well. I write to you from Richmond Virginia, where I have been attending the MAPS Global School for about two months now! How did I get here? For the past two years, the Lord has been continually stirring my heart to minister before Him in His House—I've realized that I was created to dwell in His presence as a priest, confidently lifting my song and prayers, knowing every note and word is filling the bowls of heaven. The Lord led me to continue this...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
I can't wrap my head around the fact that I've been here a month- it has gone so fast yet it also feels like I have been here for a very long time. Some things I have been loving about MAPS: How everything is everyone's/ open to the whole community- the cafeteria. kitchen, community coffee pot (definitely a highlight, that thing is rarely empty), the cleaning closet- it's like a big house everyone in the family gets to enjoy and work to preserve. The huge beautiful campus I walk around...
3 months ago • 1 min read
We made it to Richmond! After driving for two days me and David are finally here. We've been settling into our new apartments, meeting students and staff, and getting immersed in the community as we wait for classes to officially start next week. On Sunday at church we were with the MAPS community for the first time. The worship and teaching on Matthew 24 was so washing and refreshing, reminding me of the beauty of the Lord's unfolding story and His faithfulness throughout history. We've also...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, Today officially marks the two-week mark before my brother David and I will be driving down to Richmond! The preparations are starting—bought a duffle bag and a new guitar strap, and it's starting to become real. Last night I sang my last set on Nightwatch at the Prayer Room, which was very bittersweet. Singing and praying during the night this summer has easily been a highlight and a source of life. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to do so. Financial Update I also wanted to...
4 months ago • 1 min read