love boldy.

I'm currently reading the book Bold Love by Dr. Dan B Allender and Dr. Tremper Longman III...
here's a tiny excerpt:
"Love, as a reflection of the glory of God, is the ground of being, the reason for existing, and the core of the gospel. It is the most basic staple of life; yet it is nearly impossible to wrap words around love's vastness, to describe how to be transformed by it, or to use it for the sake of another-especially in a world that hurts us regularly and often deeply."

This book is making me think alot. I have had this book on my shelf or quite a while now, and just picked it up again out of complete and utter lack of being able to love many things in my life. The past few weeks, at a glance, have been weeks where I felt hurt regularly and deeply by the world. I am encouraged to say though that I have also felt loved deeply by those around me in the world. I'm super thankful for:
-flowers on my doorstep on a Friday night
-friends who will call and pray from far away
-co-workers who drive me home when it's dark and I'm scared to walk there alone
-spontaneous visits from dear friends
-laughing and crying with others
-a small group of people who will change their plans, so you can be a part
-people who will celebrate life with me in unexpected ways
-feeling loved, when I'm not feeling very lovely
-skype, mail, cellphones, g-chat, and the other ways that I feel connected...

There's much to be thankful for, and hopefully I will begin to love boldly those who have been loving me boldly.

i've found a safe place in you...

Being in Denver last week was really refreshing. One of my favorite parts of the training was getting to spend time with the other city staff. Each morning we would start with worship...and I was introduced to two songs that I now have been listening to a lot. They are so great. Thanks to Jami for leading and introducing me to these. You can listen here...although I must admit, I enjoyed when Jami played them better.