Farewell {for now}

No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth.
Robert Southey

Have you ever watched a struggling team, clearly the underdog, win a championship game? Have you ever known someone, who despite enormous opposition, now living a colorful, dynamic life? What is it inside of us human beings that is always cheering for the less favored, the less talented?

There's something fascinating about the thrill of seeing someone who seems to have no strength left reach deep down, tap into a supernatural courage and overcome all odds, and expectation. It's the sweet taste of redemption. Redeeming time of hardship and long hours of training or struggle.

In efforts not to over dramatize, let me put this in perspective. I can't say that I have recently broken any world records, or found a miracle solution for providing clean water for the whole world. However I have experienced something extraordinary these past months. I have witnessed first hand, for the first time, God's redemptive power in my life. It all started with losing control. The striving ceased. Anxiety lessened. Trust (faith) increased as I sat back and walked through open doors instead of trying to bust 'em down myself.

It's like my life has shifted from a first person, to third person perspective. I am not writing my own story. The pen is not in my hand anymore. Instead, the pen is in God's hand, and I am able to sit back and read. What I've noticed is that my life has been marked with a strange peace, unending joy, and giddy excitement. I savor every sentence, yet I can't wait to "turn the page" to see what the next chapter holds.

This summer has been the best thus far, by far! I am thankful for my family. I will never be able to repay them for their loyal support and loyal love. I am thankful for my friends. I have connected with some of the most passionate people this summer, specifically at Substance Church and been continually challenged and encouraged. I wish I could thank EACH of you in this note for your friendship and the unique joy you bring. If you're reading this, you are precious to me. Know that.

This summer has been marked with random excursions, blissful conversations, summer night shenanigans, great food, and beautiful people. Literally too good to be true. But it is true!

Let me take a moment to say this as well: I know that this hasn't been every one's experience these past months. May I have the privilege of empathizing with you? Because that underdog, the "least likely to succeed"...that was me. The past 3 years especially, has been an up and down internal struggle that manifested in several different ways. I thought the dreams I had were simply too extravagant, the odds were stacked WAY against me. I know me. I know what I do...what I've done. The thought of being someone great, or rather used by someone GREAT, seemed impossible. But the tears, the depression, the sweat, and ultimately God's faithfulness has granted me the "win".

I am the weakest link that has become the strongest. I am the loser that has just won the greatest prize. I wear the championship ring proudly and loudly. That ring holds a purpose and meaning for life. The hope of things to come, the strength, the Grace TO DO. Who knows that God loves when the odds are stacked highly against us in order that He may take them and show off His magnificent power??

The ironic thing is, this is all spurred by allowing myself to read my story verses trying to write it. Life is no longer a "strive-fest" but a "rest-fest". A rest in the One who gives me and leads me each step which has been planned out perfectly beginning to end. I know I will "side step" the plan occasionally, but no matter how many steps I get from the Path, it's always just one step to get back on track.

So it's far well for now from my home in Minnesota, for the final year in my home in Alabama. It seems like it'd be hard to leave in spite of such a wonderful time. But there is much to learn, much to do, much yet to be revealed. I am so excited to continue to share this journey with you Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. I pray that your time of redemption comes soon, because if you're not already wearing it, there is a championship for you to wear. I guarantee it's a big, blingy, and perfectly sized ring just for you. Also, that you would take heart during the process.

"Let us fix our eyes of Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:2

Farewell...for now.

Live full, do good, and keep in touch.

Much love,

brooke

A Midsummer's Afternoon {reflect}

It's time to face the music. Summer is mid way through. It seems to me that summers are a short, and unique season for us. Even those with full time jobs that no longer get the luxury of a "summer break", there's something about staying up extra late and squeezing every ounce of fun from a lovely summer day.

Perhaps is the added Vitamin D that allows us to relax and step out of rigorous routine for a moment...or two. This has prompted me to seriously consider buying a tanning bed. Just think- year round Vitamin D bliss! Just kidding. Don't do that. :)

These past few summers I have noticed a trend, maybe you will be able to relate. It starts like this:

The start of summer is always trying to wind down my brain and my schedule. Still feeling the "afterglow" of highlights from the past year that carry with it a powerful hope for possibilities for the upcoming summer. Because of high hopes, it's like being on steroids sometimes when opportunities come. Whether it's serving, spending time with people, joining someone in some short term "venture." It's like my mind is saying no, but my body is so jacked on "what if's" it twitches as I subconsciously nod "YES!" "Pick me!".

Although the passion is very real, and the commitment there, it always seems to strike me (about midsummer) that things aren't working out quite as planned. Some things are better than expected, and some things seem to completely drop off to the way side.

I miss understand my lingering passion and lack of rigorous routine for a lack of spirituality and faith. Unfortunately in the past this has taken me some time to figure out. I tend to feel discouraged, positive that something is wrong with me. "I'm just not seeking God like I did this year. How come my city isn't all worshiping Jesus yet? How come I haven't seen any crazy miracles this summer?"

Haha. Am I the only one who thinks like this? Join me as I put an end to the trend...

Breath. Take in the moment right now. Take in the view on the other side of this screen. Ready?

No matter what we feel God is always there. Always.

I give them eternal life, and they will never die. No one can steal them out of my hand. John 10:28

If you have committed your life to Christ, no matter where you are, what you do, how you hurt, if your heart is set on Him, you will not fall from His hand! You see, my mind and my heart were in different seasons, and warring against each other. Causing an internal battle that led to anxiety, unrest, and depression. A farmer doesn't harvest in the Spring, or plant in the Summer. This would be very inefficient, and certainly not profitable!

As I take some time to reflect, I am reminded of this Truth. Why am I trying to reap the harvest, when I am supposed to be tending the field?

I am happy to tell you that I have "nipped it in the bud". I am doing what God has called me to this summer. Resting in His Love, and soaking in His Truth He has revealed. Since then, oh boy, I wish I could describe the freedom and almost silly ecstasy of His presence and unexpected plans. Not always a feeling,(in fact recently nothing really emotional at all) but a deep assurance of being in the palm of His hand. He promised me that, He promised you that.

I encourage you to recognize or remember what God has called you to this particular season. Rest? Direction? Relationship? Work? Simply acknowledge it, ask for forgiveness for contradicting His ordained "season" for you. Take joy in focusing on just that thing.

Remember no matter what circumstance surrounds, or what your heart feels, know that God is greater than your heart and He knows everything. NoTHING can snatch you from Him.

That's how we know that we hold to the truth. And that's how we put our hearts at rest, knowing that God is watching. Our hearts may judge us. But God is greater than our hearts. He knows everything. 1 John 3:19-21

Reflect today. Enjoy today.

PS. What is your favorite summer song?

Dandilion {seeds}

Dandilion Joy, a photo by Telstar Logistics on Flickr.

I spent a beautiful Memorial Day with my family lounging around home doing the unimportant, restful things you're supposed to do on a holiday weekend. The momma and I took a walk down by the lake. It was warm, windy and overcast, but refreshingly summer. As we walked and talked, enjoying eachother's company we were passed by bikers, joggers, and strollers. Everyone was taking in the view of the massive lake and the sharp white trails left behind by windsurfers.

We stopped a few times to admire blooming flowers, kneeling in close to get the concentrated scent of their sweet aroma. Walking on I bent down to grab a white fluffy dandilion. I couldn't resist the full white top, perfictly ripe for blowing seeds in the wind. I took a great breath and watched as the seeds floated carelessly away, very quickly I was left with a bare stem. The momma came up behind me and said with a smile," This is your summer." I shot her a puzzled look. "Yes, this is what your summer is like, just planting a bunch of seeds."

I laughed as I was getting such a marvelous revelatation from a weed. She was absolutley right. This summer, (and probably for the rest of my life) is all about planting little tiny seeds. It's like blowing the seeds away on the dandilion. We have no control where they land, how they're recieved, or what they become. The only part we are responsible for is taking that breathe.

Little seeds of kindness, of time spent with a friend, a smile or encouraging word to a stranger, an invitation, a prayer, a little seed of sometimes minute inconvient sacrifice.

Take a breath,

watch it float away,

no need to fret,

it shall bloom someday.

Alive.

I have this awesome friend named Brittany who is a total radical. Brittany knows that Jesus is just as relevant as He was 2000 years ago. She attends a college outside of Birmingham. A beautiful campus, and a impressive academic reputation. Brittany asked me to come to campus over break to take some pictures of a sign she had painted. I wasn't surprised when I saw what it read.

Jesus is Alive.

I smiled ear to ear, believing that this would be much more than just pictures. Faith mixed with action, speaking about what will come. It takes faith because right now this particular campus has a reputation of suicide and witch craft, just the opposite of Love. It also requires action, because a belief that just sits inside of our noggin' is just that. A stagnant,safe,and harmless dream.

As we walked around quiet campus we got chills thinking of the miracles that Jesus has in store. We made some friends who cheered as we snapped the pictures and freely volunteered their services. We ran into a student who looked like she hadn't slept in three days, beautiful green eyes hidden underneath a thick black paste. Her black hair fell into her face as she zipped up an army green oversized coat. Her unlikely state took my by surprised and I blurted out some sort of awkward greeting, just for a second of her time.

It turns out she was wiccan and didn't believe in "our God", but she was kind and moved to held back tears because the Love that rested on Brittany and I. We said a short prayer for her and sent her off. Just one soul that we are believing to be transformed because of a wee bit of faith from two average kids.

I am going to be involved in a college age group starting on Friday nights with some stellar people. Brielle Hoffman, Allen Pedrum, and Adam Westly. We believe God has some seriously big plans for this group. We desire to build a real, strong,powerful community that is compelled by Love and filled with the Word. Please come and join us.

Bottom line. Jesus is Alive. Let's start living like it. Ask big. Read the Word, and believe with all your heart everything that it says. Test it out.Come spend your Friday night's with us. I dare you.

Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

Psalm 86:17

Child Like

It's been about a month since my last post. If I were to know then, where I am right now, I would of shrugged you off like a bad hair day. Looking back I must have underestimated God's plan. In a month's time I have seen a numb heart bubble into a wellspring of life and hope. I have seen an empty bank account grow into more than enough. I've seen someone's average life turn a 180 to expectation and excitement for the future. I have witnessed the perfect people coming into my life at the perfect time.

Some of these things I have been trusting for a long time. AND ALL IN A MONTH! One of my good friends told me today..."and there's more." When we think things are good...there's more. God's Will, which simply means His perfect plan, is perfect,pleasing,good, and more than you could ever imagine. His plans always take different shapes.

Excuse me for getting ahead of myself, let me quickly explain a few details. Last year I attended a Leadership Internship in Birmingham,AL after quitting my job as a hair stylist in Minnesota. I had a life changing year, but wasn't positive I was up for a second year in the South. Not until a month ago when I realized it was the correct "next step." It sounds easy right? False. Have you ever presented a plan for the future to your parents or close friends that sounds illogical, but your heart knows it's right? Have you ever not had the resources to do what seems to be the right thing to do? Bingo! That's basically how it went down. That's where the faith part came in...major. That's where the "getting on my knees" part came in...major. That's where the testing, "is really God or not" part came in...you get the point. So I opened my hands to let HIM show me the way.

Long story short-I am sitting in a Starbucks in Birmingham bobbing my head to some jams, more expectant than ever, and totally stoked to be alive. This was God's plan for me to be here, for now. I used to have a big lack of concern for living a life for HIM. That life is comparative to plain vanilla ice cream, however I've moved on to a banana splits with lots of whipped cream,sprinkles,chocolate,peanuts,carmel,cookies, and ten cherries on top. I feel like a little kid.

When I feel like. Do I have the heart of a child? Am I slipping into religion, or do I have the simple yet powerful faith of a child. Am I getting wrapped up in my own ideas and forget to rejoice with others? That ties into my faith as well. When I pray am I expecting for him to answer me? OF course HE desires to help me, and bless HIS kids. I want to be excited to spend time with Jesus, just like I got excited when I was a little girl hanging out with my daddy.

Gosh, my heart is chalk full right now. You need to know that your heart can be chalk full too. Prayer stinkin' works. We don't always get the answers overnight. But we are supposed to never give up. DO NOT give up on your cruddy circumstance right now. DO NOT give up on that family member who doesn't seem to get it. DO NOT give up on your hurting friend. Life's better when it's viewed through a lens of a child. Just remember...

Banana splits.

Let's be child like.

tidBITE*

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

matthew 18:3

Real Simple?

You've seen the magazine...Real Simple.It's full of good ideas for the home and is targeted for women. ANYWAYS... they make life seem so flawlessly simple. Which is smart on their side because if they promoted cluttery messes and ugly ideas, they would go bankrupt. But life is not Real Simple. They should change their name to 'Real Pain in the Rear.' Let me explain:

If your heart is beating, you have passions. If you're human, you have dreams. Probably too many in reality- or maybe not? But there's the old "not enough time" excuse. It can be a real pain trying to find an efficiant balance!

I have dreams bigger than what my puny little hands could ever accomplish. Lots of them. And I plan on them being fulfilled, maybe not even in my lifetime...but with the life (the time) that we do have, why not work towards them?

After all, they are passions remember? Passions don't shove deadlines in your face. Passions don't wear you out. Passions won't fire you. A passions is something you think about all day, even after a long day of who knows what, there always seems to be just a few extra minutes for ______.

Facebook doesn't count.

After pondering this, it sort of boiled down like a pot roast for me.

Big goals are accomplished only when we first complete a billion little goals...CHOICES!

There ya go folks.

I truley believe that if we make time work for us and not work for time, we can accomplish crazy,nutsy,wild things. It can literally start from avoiding facebook for a week to focus on a passion during that time. For me it's blogging,taking pictures,hangin' out with younger girls,and learning about world changing people.

Side Note:

FB is seriously a drug. There is some weird addictive chemical laced in the alluring white and blue template I just know it...

Anyhow I'm going to borrow a lesson from the Great Chris Hodges from Church of the Highlands in Birmingham,AL on how to manage time!!

The Delicious 'Make Dreams Happen' Recipe (no grocery store run)

1) Understand you mission,purpose,dreams

2) Identify Current roles

-What is required of you now?

student,employee,parent,friend

3) Define for yourself most important activities

ie: school,relationships,work,church,working out

4) Plan life around 1,2 & 3!

Schedule time for the big focuses and everything less important (but still fun) will fall into place.

What if I told you that it wasn't the amount of things that we do, but the order that we do them? Maybe the big wigs at Real Simple got it after all...

relax, it can happen.

Let me share with you a few moments of one of my passions. Pictures.

Please comment some of yours!

tidBITE*

Passion Assessment.

People- Who are you most interested in?

Actions- What do you like to do the most?

Strength- When you are doing____ you feel strongest.

Serving- How can you help someone soley for their benefit?

Interests- What noble activity interests you?

Opportunity- Where do you have an opportunity?

Nostalgia- When in your life do you feel most fulfilled?

personality+gift+passion=calling.

Borrowed from material from Church of the Highlands

www.churchofthehighlands.com

Muddy Boots

Here it goes...

Bare with me as I jump "boots first" <----(lame) into this whole blogging thing.

So you're asking yourself, "What the heck does muddy boots have to do with ANYTHING?" Well...boots are worn on your feet right? Guess what? Feet take you places. Unless your in a wheel chair, for you, this blog should be entitled muddy wheels.

Anyways, I LOVE boots. Boots say, "Hey, I'm here to party. Hard." Boots are tough, they allow you to do intense things without worrying about your feet getting hurt. Think about it. Army boots are worn in combat. Cowboy boots are worn around the ranch doin' strenuous work, snow boots for conquering ridiculously low temperatures. We have hiking boots...the list goes on. Here's another added bonus-they look awesome. Boots can be worn with anything, at anytime. And if you're thinking otherwise? That's fine-wear your ugly shoes instead.

Ultimately muddy boots means living all out. Not afraid of hard times and pain. Not afraid of exploring and taking risks. Because I know that my feet are protected. Living unashamed of a God that I believe in. Using the passions that are inside, and doing them with fervor. Who wants to spend their lives' sitting on the sidelines, combing their eyebrows?

ICK

Nope. Not for me. I'm here to party...

Hard.

"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand."

psalm 40:2

*tidBITE

call that random person you missed today

(and tell them to follow this blog ;)

Beautiful Feet in Haiti...