The Local Church

I love my church.
I love the local church.
I love that God has given us the local church.
It is the dearest place on earth.

The annual church campout was held this past weekend. It is such a sweet time to share downtime with brothers and sisters in Jesus, and to enjoy each other's company while playing and worshipping. It is so hard to leave every year, but what a good thing that is. 

"...but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love." Ephesians 4:15-16 (NASB).

Our pastor shared a quote by the Charles Spurgeon this past Sunday for our last day of campout about  the local church. An amazing word that needs to be shared:

"Give yourself to the Church. You that are members of the Church have not found it perfect and I hope that you feel almost glad that you have not. If I had never joined a Church till I had found one that was perfect, I would never have joined one at all! And the moment I did join it, if I had found one, I should have spoiled it, for it would not have been a perfect Church after I had become a member of it. Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us… All who have first given themselves to the Lord, should, as speedily as possible, also give themselves to the Lord’s people. How else is there to be a Church on the earth? If it is right for anyone to refrain from membership in the Church, it is right for everyone, and then the testimony for God would be lost to the world!

As I have already said, the Church is faulty, but that is no excuse for your not joining it, if you are the Lord’s. Nor need your own faults keep you back, for the Church is not an institution for perfect people, but a sanctuary for sinners saved by Grace, who, though they are saved, are still sinners and need all the help they can derive from the sympathy and guidance of their fellow Believers. The Church is the nursery for God’s weak children where they are nourished and grow strong. It is the fold for Christ’s sheep—the home for Christ’s family." 

Campout was beautiful. Just a quaint, quiet country neighborhood, full of loud, joyful Christians playing frisbee and volleyball, galore of kids screaming and running, songs of worship and bursts of laughter, and the presence of Jesus' sweet spirit in our midst.

The Log.

And of course, every church campout will not be complete without its annual men's log throw. This year changed the course of history as Ryan Finlay's three year streak was defeated by Justin Best's most glorious throw. 

Justin Best: 2013 Log Throw Winner

    

     

It was a perfect weekend, and I can't wait to continue sharing life with every single one of these people. The people of The Gathering Community Church. The people who love Jesus with a passion, and who desire to celebrate and display the beauty and glory of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I am blessed beyond all things. God is good.

Trust Fall

I haven't written in a while. May 22nd, to be exact. I was house-sitting then, and I was unaware that I would begin an adventurous journey. I was not expecting to find myself here, amongst my wildest dreams, this probably would not have crossed my mind in the slightest. After 7 moves, from house-to-house and room-to-room, I am now living in a quaint and peaceful residence of the Hamilton family, in a city not too far from Portland, called Vancouver, Washington.

I get to live with a family. A wife and husband who love Jesus dearly, and their two adorable children. A place of life and love, of play, of al fresco, Deacon Vader's, Chronicle of Narnia on tape, Newman's Lemonade, the color pink, and Hello Kitty. A place where giving is normal and serving is a gift. A place where prayer is not just before a meal, but a thanksgiving to God for all of His wonderful gifts. I am beyond the word blessed, but how else can I say it?

I don't think I ever imagined this place on that rainy day in May, while the Taylor family vacationed in Mexico. But my imagination is limited by my human ability, and that's where God comes in with the plan. What in the world is happening? I don't know. Out of all places, I am here. I am in a place where my independence is not welcomed, and I am forced to live in community. I guess I have always lived in community, but I have never felt as if God were asking me to throw away my independence. I feel as if I am in a place in life where God has asked me to serve. To be a part of something beautiful, like a family. To find myself outside of my independence and my comfort zone, outside of my selfishness and entitlements, and into dependence and humility.

I remind myself of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the humility he had to take on human flesh. To submit to his creation, and to die a death I could never die after living a life I could never, ever live. I am basking is his love for me, and I am overwhelmed at how great his love is.

It is so sweet to trust in Jesus.

"Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds." (Matthew 6:26; Message).

I believe it is a beautiful thing to be ripped of independence. And many would probably disagree. But I see that life is born when we need one another, and when we are so aware of it that we are compelled to serve one another out of the understanding that we are only alive when we rely on each other, and ultimately, God. I can never live in isolation, apart from humanity. There can be no life, then. It is not good for us to be alone. 

In my need of a home, the Hamilton family jumped right on the opportunity to give me one. People like that are what define the body of Christ. Those who serve and meet the needs of people who can't do it alone. I can't do it alone. And I am beyond thankful, and also inspired by the generosity of the Hamilton's. There is not an ounce of regret in me for moving to Vancouver. I am in this, and am prayerful for this season. I pray that I learn what it means to serve, and to do it well. I pray that I learn what it means to be fully dependent on God, and to submit my desires into His hands for his purposes. It is a difficult prayer to pray, but I'm ready. With much grace, I am ready.

Tyler and Ansley

Made in the Pacific Photography: Tyler and Ansley Engagement | North Portland

I met Ansley less than a year ago through The Gathering Church, and we instantly became great friends. What an amazing woman after God's own heart. A lot of which Tyler is so drawn to about his fiance, is what attracted me to her as a dear friend. I was so honored to have the opportunity to take their engagement photos. <3 There's something about these two that make you wonder what "it" is. They've definitely got more than the spark. Jesus fuels their love more than anything, and it is beautifully lit.

<3

Celebrate & Display

It's been pouring, downfall, fall, falling rain, all day. As I was preparing to cook dinner, I glanced beyond the windows, outside. My heart jumped a little to see the rain, pouring, the clouds looming, the cold, windy chills out there. And then, wait. Wait, my heart just jumped to the fact that it's raining outside? It's still raining. Yes, it's raining and dreary outside, and I'm still content.

What an odd idea for me. I've been sitting this mansion-like house, and I feel as content as ever. I don't know if this is a good idea, to feel this way. I am not quite too sure why I feel this way. Being alone? Knowing I have pretty much everything I need here. Or am I becoming an introverted-loves-to-stay-home, please-don't-come-over-and-ruin-my-quiet kind of human being? Yikes. I hope this is not the case. I kinda like being energized by people, but maybe not right now...

But things are about to get pretty crazy. I'm moving this weekend...again. New home, new roommates, new neighbors, new pots, pans, bathroom, backyard, living room, mold problems, heat issues, etc. But also, new relationships, new cooking buddies, new garden, new hobbies, memories, running routes, grocery stores, and parks. I'm excited, nervous, anxious, sad and happy. Once I get used to one thing, something always changes, drastically, and God gives me brand new adventures. He doesn't often let me stay still. But He does give me times like this week, where I am rested, ultra rested, in His grace, in His love, in His gifts. I am soaked in comfort and relaxation at the moment, and I am basking in the gloriousness before it all ends tomorrow. 

There is so much beauty in adventures. And by adventures, I mean change. I mean, different. The beauty is the opportunity to find the strength to trust in God for everything I need. The beauty is in the cross, ultimately. The scandalous story of the sacrifice Jesus Christ became to give us the grace and mercy we shouldn't deserve. But we have it. We have the most amazing gift that could ever be given on earth. The gift of unconditional love, the gift of love from the God who created the universe.

To celebrate and display the beauty and glory of Jesus Christ. 

As I recline on this cushy, brown, leather couch in this oversized-for-just-one-person house, sipping on some lemonade and partaking in my delectable Trader Joe's potstickers, accompanied by the pouring rain outside my window, I find I am learning contentment as I grow in my walk with Christ. I find each season of life to be just another part of the journey - the journey with Christ, to celebrate Him and to display His beauty and glory. This is my sole purpose, and what a wonderful purpose at that. 

Who knows where I'll be within this year? I could end up on the streets of Portland. I could inherit a million dollars. Or, I could end up the same. But that's just the best part about serving my God. He asks us to trust Him, and He will give us the gnarliest stories, and the most beautiful spirit. 

Radical Gratitude

Housesitting!

What a delightful task to sit and watch this wonderful home. It's funny how things work out when Saturday I moved from the Philly house and had no clue where I was going, I was asked to housesit the day starting the day after I move. The Lord knows, yes, he knows.

Although this house is big, and sometimes gets a bit lonely, I've enjoyed the rest in its peacefulness. Also, the Tays left a good portion of food, of which, yes, I am eating.

Finding the Next Season

It's weird thinking that a season of my life just ended. Wow. 

Finding the people you share life with is a pretty significant endeavor, and scary, nonetheless. One never knows how living will be when you live with someone new. But I'm excited to move forward loving Jesus and loving others, all in God's strength. 

I'm anxious to find out where God leads me next. I want to be sensitive to hear His voice and to discern where He's leading me. I don't want to be discontent in the place He has me, but to create the fullest experience in each day. Never regretting a day gone by, but enjoying and delighting in the smallest blessings I've been given. Like Ann Voskamp writes in her book One Thousand Gifts, "To live fully - to live full of grace and joy and all that is beauty eternal. It is possible, wildly." 

The easiest thing in my life right now is to become jealous of everything that is going on with almost everyone in my life. New relationships, engagements, weddings, babies, education and travels. Amazing families and great, close relationships with them. It's hard to sit and watch the blooms of others lives unfold before me. To see the success that others find, and the guidance they were given to get there. I see the gratefulness of those who consider themselves blessed, and I long for the same gratefulness for every single blessing God has given me. I always seem to feel ripped of the blessings. I am not ripped off, I am rich in the blessing of a God who loves me, and who has created my life with beauty and creativity. I am climbing up to receive radical gratitude, and it is a long, painful climb. It is a step up, and often I step down, but this ladder is full of grace. 

Sitting in this big house alone, gazing at this blessed house of riches, I can only imagine the thankfulness these owners may have for the great God they serve. How much long suffering they must have pushed through and how much trust and faithfulness, loyalty and obedience they had to have in the Lord.  This house is a blessing because they are a huge blessing to others, including myself. They have a heart of hospitality, a servant-like attitude, a humbleness, a meekness, and a joyful spirit in everything they do. What an inspiration to me.

My mind is blown. My heart is open. And I am ready to continue this journey in the right way.

Farewell Philly House

Three more nights in Pony House #3: The Philly House. It's kinda surreal and difficult; bittersweet. This apartment has been my favorite, by far. A walk to Laurelhurst Park, Hawthorne, Belmont, Sandy & Halsey, a homey-like hostel-like home. It's always felt like we've lived in another country here. The community is so easily seen in its U-like structure, compared to the stale and uninviting atmosphere of Russelville apartments last year.

I'm gonna miss this house. And the girls.

Goodbye Philly. Goodbye Ponies. 

Hello to God's next adventure for my life <33

Noelle & Lucas

Noelle + Lucas Engagement | Mt. Tabor & Broadway Bridge

A small-town Illinois girl meets a Mexican-Canadian Oaxaca boy, and fall in love. 

I had the amazing opportunity to shoot my very first engagement photos with my roommate, Noelle and her fiance, Lucas - a dynamic powerhouse-for-the-Lord-kind-of-couple. You will never find these two without a passion and a love for people. They desire to display God's glory and share His gospel with everyone they know. I am stoked to have my very first engagement photo shoot with these two. I'm happy with how these turned out, and look forward to a future in capturing more moments like these. 

<3