slowing down

Summer.  It’s been a busy one.  One of the perks of being a nurse is the flexibility of the schedule, which has been super helpful this summer.  I have traveled, a lot, caught up with many friends, said many goodbyes, hung out with family, seen friends and family married off, relaxed at the beach, and the lake, packed and unpacked multiple times, and managed to squeeze in some hours of work at UAB.  It’s been busy, but it’s been good. 

Anyone who knows me knows I thrive on business, I love being on the go.  I’m not really sure what it is, but I have a hard time enjoying sitting still.  Thank goodness this summer for time at the beach and the lake, sitting in nature is one of the few times I can sit, think, dwell, and relax.  There is just something about staring at creation, realizing the same God who created the trees and painted the sky, made me.  It leaves me in awe every time.  During my time in Washington, I learned the importance of slowing down, learning to dwell in the presence of the Lord.  Once I got back to the South, my life immediately refilled with a constant business.  Over the past few months back South, though I am still pretty busy, those days in Washington keep coming back to me; keep reminding me that I do need to dwell in the Lord daily, or at least just daily sit.  I’m often reminded of the story of Mary and Martha in Luke…

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?  Tell her to help me!’  ‘Martha,’ the Lord replied, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’”  Luke 10:38-42

I am SO bad at doing this, at choosing to just sit at the feet of the Lord.  I want to get better though, I want to learn to daily dwell in the presence of the Lord.  I want to hunger and thirst for the time I get to spend in His Word.  I want to engrave His Words on my heart and keep them on the tip of my tongue.  I want my conversations to be seasoned with salt, uplifting, genuine, and full of truth.  The most humbling part of this season of me desiring to know the Lord more, is that the whole time I’ve been slacking, He has still been there, waiting for me to stop and sit.  I’m reading through Hosea right now, such a beautiful love story of God constantly pursuing us.  I don’t want to forsake my first love; I want to continue falling in love with my Savior every single day.  It’s not going to be easy, but then again, God never said a relationship with Him was easy.  I do know it will be worth it though, totally worth it.

So what’s up now?  I’m currently embarking on a new adventure in Austin, TX.  God opened up doors for me to return to this incredible city, and I’m so excited to see what He has in store.  Yes, my time here will be longer than a normal travel assignment, but I’m looking forward to investing in the lives of those around me, being thrown into a new work environment, pouring into some amazing ministries, and learning to dwell in the Lord.           

Just a glimpse from this summer...

The first wedding of the summer was for my dear friend Ramsey.  Ramsey and I have only been friends for a year and a half, but what a fun time it has been.  Grateful to be able to stand beside her and celebrate her big day!

One of the best things about weddings is all your favorite people being in one place.  This photo pretty well sums up our friendship, lots of laughter, ridiculousness, and sarcasm.  Oh, and beautiful sunsets.

This summer was filled with lots of family time, more than we've had in a while.  Really glad we were all able to be together to celebrate our cousin Lindsey and her new husband Jesse.

Quick trip to Cancun with some of the sweetest friends ever.  Kayaking, sunbathing, zip lining, eating all we want, private pool swimming, dolphin swimming, snorkeling, such a fantastic week.

Family week at the lake.  This place will never get old or lose its ability to leave me awestruck by its beauty.

Another wedding reunion with friends from good ole Tabernacle Baptist.  Loved being able to catch up with some of the people who have been so inspirational in my life.  

I worked really hard this summer to coax Emett (almost 4) and Keziah (almost 1) into allowing me to be their favorite aunt.

Really grateful for all the quality time with these two roommates this summer.  Sad to leave Keaton and Maggie in Birmingham, but am confident God is going to do big things through them in that city.

These girls ROCK.  While I was in Texas, these girls made every Monday night a priority to hang out.  I loved being able to jump into their new tradition and look forward to the many Facetime sessions that await.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever."

Psalm 73:26