The New Has Come

Its been a whirlwind since the summer. In fact, I can hardly believe what the Lord has done in five short months. Typically, after a school is done all of the staff fall into our beds and sleep for days. Our minds, our hearts, our spirits, our bodies...all together in one accord are tired. There is no shame in being done, tired, and worn out. We are not super heros. We love rest. Six months of hard core discipleship, and then six months of rest, of pulling back, of creating, of remembering our first love.

Speaking of first love...I'm engaged to Jake J Stevens. A handsome, strong, young man, with a mustache, and a tender heart. He's loved me for a long time, and two years ago he pursued my heart with kindness and consistency and he won it. Last month he surprised me with a twinkling candle canopy in the center of the lake, got on one knee and asked me to be his wife. I cried and laughed and exhaled with relief and said, "Yes!"

Jake is a very special man, who loves me the way I've always wanted to be loved. I am thankful for the privilege of choosing love, and I am thankful for the gift I've found in Jake J.

The 18 Inch Journey is a 60 day school of worship, community, and creativity held in the woods of Sophia, NC. It is my privelege to staff this summer for the fifth time as the art director; teaching all the students 2-d art, a collective teacher; teaching 4 students dance classes twice a week, and a small group leader; co-leading and discipling a group of 8 students. It has been a FULL summer, but worth every moment. I am consistently reminded of the kindness of God as I lead these students. I am constantly reminded of His great love for me as I look into the eyes of these 31 students that have all dared to  commit to a summer of community, family, and falling in love with Jesus.

I have quite a time teaching all 31 art. Some of them are professional artists, and some of them have never painted in their lives. Yet, they have all come with willing hearts to learn a new way to spend time with God. Each of the students hand sewed a leather book to document moments throughout the summer that have impacted their hearts. Their "History Books" have become full of memories, and colors, words and pictures. Flipping through each book is like opening a new and different story book. No one is the same, each mark is specific to each student. It has been an honor to see these students take the risk of learning and approach art in brand new way.

 My small group girl at the Blue Ridge Parkway. These four have been transformed by the love of God.

Kateland, Hesmari, Me, Brigitte, Caitlin

Mid way

Last night we had a mid-way fiesta in honor of the six lovely interns that are living at 'A Place for the Heart.' We displayed their art, photography and handmade goods that they have created the past four months, and we also all shared a folk song...old time style.

This Monday we are shifting into servant leadership in preparation for 'The 18 Journey.' A sixty day school focused on worship, creativity and community, and ultimately connecting your head and your heart. All the interns attended the school last year and were deeply transformed by the love of God. These interns have cultivated beautiful relationship with the Holy Spirit and have taken a risk to serve the dream of God here at 'A Place for the Heart.' I am deeply proud of them, and cannot wait to walk through another summer with them.