Sometimes we must slow down to listen, other times we must turn up the volume to hear. Lately I have been gently reminded that there is a plan for me. These reminders have come in many shapes, sizes and voices. Ever since I was told a few months ago to press into the Lord he has fervently been chasing me to get my attention. Whether it was listening to others share their stories in the hills near music city. Or maybe it was the beautiful sounds in the mountains of Haiti. Perhaps it was when I got the attention of the pastor during his sermon while visiting a church down south. Maybe it was when my own priest asked me to lead in ways that are uncomfortable. Or was it the time I spoke with someone whom my writing ministered to. Maybe it was when I watched a movie that brought me to tears (yes guys we do it too). When you press into Him, no matter the noise you will hear His voice. Click To Tweet Each moment that I have experienced lately were not my chance. He has been molding me slowly to do more. I am not sure what any of this will lead to, all I know is that it was not by accident but by design that these words have been written at the time that they have. Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. ~ Jeremiah 33:3 We are […]

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Timing is everything when it comes to our walk in faith. Ever sit in the pew on Sunday and feel like the priest picked out his homily or the readings just for you? Or maybe when you open your Bible no matter the day or circumstance the pages fall just open right where you need them? This is of course all coincidence or just human nature right? Or is it? Have you sat in a doctor’s office and anticipated the worst news ever? Did you pray and trust or did you allow the anxiety and angst build up in the moment? What about when your boss says he needs to meet with you and you don’t have a scheduled meeting? Or maybe its your own self-doubt that has a hold of you. Are you tied to the things of this world so tightly that you cannot see letting go? We try to control every aspect of our lives, not only our present, future but even our own pasts. This past weekend at church the readings brought  some truth and honesty from our priest. In his homily he shared challenges that he had faced before entering the priesthood. Challenges that any young man who was in a relationship that had ended would encounter. Self-doubt was overwhelming him at the moment when he should have been closest to God. He shared a portion of a homily that the priest back then had shared with him, a story that we could all relate to. This story of putting your […]

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The last few posts have chronicled the journey both physically and emotionally that I recently took to Haiti. While in Canaan, Haiti there were some takeaways that anyone going or thinking about going on a mission trip should consider. These are lessons that I wish someone had shared with me in detail before stepping on the plane. Mission work is for everyone – Whether you do work over seas or at home, we can all benefit from mission work. You not only help those you go to serve but in turn they help you become the person you were designed to be. You will never be the same – as cliché as that sounds it’s true. You will see and do things that will change you. You will have your heart-broken and rebuilt in a new way. The pure innocent joy through those you meet will change your mind and heart. The one that is served is you – sure you went there to make a difference. Maybe it was to build a school, share some clothes or food. Perhaps it was even the gospel,  whatever your purpose you will come away more blessed than you could ever provide to them. The children of Haiti only wanted to know that we cared. They are not as unhappy as you may think. – Just because they don’t have what you have. It doesn’t make them less, in fact it makes them more. They find pure happiness even in the simple things we all take for granted.  You will […]

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