life beyond the well…

Category Archives: Relationships


by 1 Comment

Ten.

“I’m glad I can look at my past and see that troubles don’t last; that when my soul was broken, God placed it in a cast…” – Me

On Saturday, December 6, 2003; in Ehringhaus Residence Hall on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill, I gave my life to Christ.

I came to that point after years of growing up and serving in church, but never having a full knowledge or understanding of the gospel.  It wasn’t until I came to college that I met people who not only went to church, but had a relationship with Christ.  Slowly, the pieces came together, and on that wonderful Saturday, through tears, I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.

I wish that I could say that this journey has been easy.  It hasn’t.  As with any journey, or any relationship, it’s a daily commitment.  There were days I didn’t want to make it- I didn’t feel like it.  There were days where my heart felt weary and tired.  There were days were disappointments far outnumbered the delights.  There were days where my pursuit of God and the purpose that He has for my life were lackluster.  But through it all, I pressed my way, and I continued to learn and grow in the knowledge of God and in my relationship with Him.

One thing I know for sure- God has been so CRAZY faithful.  When I think of the last 10 years, and where He brought from, as well as what He brought me through I am so humbled because I know I’m not worthy or deserving.  It’s so difficult to put in words- but my heart is so overwhelmed by His love, His grace, and His mercy.

Ten years ago, I accepted the invitation to drink from a well that wouldn’t run dry, and my life hasn’t been the same since.

My cup overflows.

Be encouraged!  Peace and Blessings!

PS: Because I think it’s important to acknowledge where I’ve come from- check out my testimony.


by 1 Comment

Exposure

As an introvert, I really struggle with the idea of exposure.  I like to engage people and situations at my own pace, and being forced to do so before I am (seemingly) ready, makes me extremely uncomfortable.  The feeling of being unprepared–and then have that unpreparedness exposed is almost frightening.

But I’m also bothered with exposure and our culture.  As our technology has evolved, we’ve become people who, at times, overshare.  Our entire lives are available for public consumption and critique thanks to wonderful technology tools such as cell phone cameras, and sites to immediately share with hundreds (and even thousands) like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

I’ve been guilty of being sucked into watching horrible videos/pictures of people wearing ridiculous outfits, trying crazy stunts, or other foolishness.  But I have to admit that it now makes me extremely uncomfortable, and it really bothers me.  It’s one thing when people post their own craziness, but who are we that we feel that it’s okay to publicly display someone else’s mess?

I now feel that providing this level of exposure for someone else is not only inappropriate, but it’s equally disrespectful.  We don’t know their life circumstances that got them to that place.  But also, the time spent recording or photographing them could also be spent encouraging them or pouring into them.  It’s so easy to take a picture of “those people” and laugh it off.  But if I look back over my life, I can easily identify several times where I was the hottest of hot messes and I am SO glad that there was no one there to expose me.  Instead, people took the time to tell me to “get my life”, to “do better”, and invested energy in helping me in both areas.  My life has been changed because of people who were willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus in my life, overlooking my faults and seeing my needs.

I’m challenging myself to be more open to the nudging of the Holy Spirit in these situations, be willing to share Jesus with others and be a source of vocal encouragement as opposed to silent critique.

Be encouraged!  Peace and Blessings!