Discouraged days aren't really my favorite. They include lots of tugging, pulling, struggling, and fighting for what I know is true. A very wise woman who I respect so so much said to me once, "A discouraged heart can't hang with gratitude for long." So today, I'd like to express my deep deep gratitude for my best friend. My sister.
Emma,
There have been so many times this week where I have to look over and see if you’re still sitting next to me, walking next to me, eating next to me... because I wonder how on earth I could be your friend. Beauty and grace emanate from deep within your soul, and each and every word you say makes me fall in love with Jesus just a little bit more. You could hand pick your friends, yet God knew that a sinful, rebellious, discontented girl from Redding needed her world rocked by a relationship that a breathtaking sweetie from LA had with Jesus. Jesus captured my heart again through Your obedience and faithfulness. He blessed me with your mom as a beautiful example of being a godly wife and shepherding a child's heart in the way he should go. He blessed me with your innocence and daily pursuit of holiness. He blessed me with moments and conversations where all I can do is praise Jesus for your life. He blessed me with sweet time to pray with you.
I'm thinking this morning about risk. For many people their lives are framed by experiences or pictures that they take and freeze in their minds. And while this is most definitely me sometimes ("hi, nice to meet you. I'm Temple."), for the most part my life is framed with words. Words that Jesus so graciously whispers to me in sweet time spent at His feet, words spoken from friends, a phrase repeated over and over again in a letter, a prayer breathed over me by the Holy Spirit. I feel like there are many words that have framed the last few years of our lives. So many different seasons, lessons, and growth.
But in this season, for both of us... there's risk. and it's beautiful. I am so so proud of you, Em. As you begin to prepare for the plans God has for you, both here and in lands far far away, I am praying for you. Praying that you will let go of your expectations and trust His. Seriously, fully, and completely trust His. I am praying that you will refuse to hibernate in fear and doubt. I am praying that you will view vulnerability and uncertainty as a gift from the Father. I am praying that you will fully receive the invitation to move to a new global posture and frame for Jesus. I am praying that you will know that you have nothing to give but what He gives you.
"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name." Hebrews 13:15.
A sacrifice is giving something up. A death to something.
A sacrifice of praise??
I read these words this morning, and immediately began to ponder how one sacrifices through praise. It seems wrong to put those words right next to each other.
But Em, this is you. You are daily offering up sacrifices of praise. I see it. I watch it. Praise is sacrifice. It is a daily death to our will. To our sinful tendencies to focus all my thoughts on my wants and my desires or to focus on the negative. To grumble and complain and demand fairness. I am so blessed to watch this in you, sister. You are such a beautiful example to me.
Praying that you would continue to be more consumed by Him.
That everything you touch...
dishes
beds
children
textbooks
steering wheels
bills
keyboards
family
camera
... would be nothing more than a reflection of Him.
I pray that you and I would become increasingly focused, increasingly centered, increasingly synoptic with an ease and serenity that only a sacrifice of praise to Jesus can bring.
The pursuit of God is total conformity to Him. It's not a pious idealism, but an integral part of opening up every act of our lives. It's a willing surrender, an aggressive faith, and a worshipping heart. It's living out His undying, abundant love for us. It's pushing through into the depths of His presence, and cultivating a heart where Jesus reigns unchallenged. It's surrender, seeking, and finding. It's a constant pursuit. You are modeling this, friend. Every day. In the life you are living for our sweet Savior.
It's so simple, but our God loves you so much. He molded you with His own hands, and He loves what He formed. He loves you with a love that has no limits. He knows all your thoughts, hears all your words, and sees all your actions. He loves you because you are beautiful, made in His image, an expression of His most intimate love. Let His love touch the deepest, most hidden corners of your heart, and reveal to you your beauty that is found in Him. A beauty visible by His mercy and grace.
And finally... while the waiting is incredibly hard some days, and I am confused and weary, and I’m ready to throw in the towel... yada yada yada... I am rejoicing with you. I am rejoicing and celebrating that through you, I get to see what true love looks like. I get to see what perseverance, faithfulness, loyalty, and passion looks like. I get to see a deep deep fervency for Jesus and who He is. I know without a doubt that God knew what He was doing when a small little youth group headed to your house almost two years ago. He had a plan. Still has a plan. I’m excited for December, January, and hopefully February, March, and April, too. I'm excited for wedding days and baby excitement. He has given me such a gift in you. A gift that I never want to take for granted or take advantage of... but, as always, if it’s meant for only a season, know NOW that I am treasuring it. Always. I am thanking God for it. I am thanking God for YOU. I love you so so much.
Here’s to lots more adventure, growth, and beauty,
Lyss
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