DOVE'S EYES

Give me dove's eyes
Tennessee, here I come!  June will be my full last month here in my hometown. It’s been quite a journey since I came back into the country a little over a year ago. For the most part, the past year has been a blur filled with processing identity, hopes and dreams, writer’s block, and little treasures. Every part of it has led up to this moment in my life where I’ve been blessed with an opportunity to move away from my home of 22 years and moving into more of this divine landscape we call life. For myself, this is a huge transition that will be glorified immensely. I’ve been blessed by the community surrounding me, through my trials and errors, and also through my rising dreams and pursuits. So, thank you to MANY in my hometown for believing when I didn’t believe, and for bringing out the best in my heart’s desires for the Kingdom and for the world! I am so ecstatic for this next season of my life and for the new community I will be calling “home.”  Virginia Beach/Norfolk, you will always remain a huge part of my life. My beloved family and friends, thank you for all your devotion and efforts to see me become more of the woman I never saw or expected myself to be growing into. My heart will move with great expectation of the Lord’s love that will hold you near to me while I’m in another state. His mercies are forever overflowing and though waiting is the most difficult, sometimes being still is the most intimate growth on gaining perspective and growing in God’s eternal love and life He’s intentionally brought us to be a part of! Be encouraged! 

Tennessee, here I come! 

June will be my full last month here in my hometown. It’s been quite a journey since I came back into the country a little over a year ago. For the most part, the past year has been a blur filled with processing identity, hopes and dreams, writer’s block, and little treasures. Every part of it has led up to this moment in my life where I’ve been blessed with an opportunity to move away from my home of 22 years and moving into more of this divine landscape we call life. For myself, this is a huge transition that will be glorified immensely. I’ve been blessed by the community surrounding me, through my trials and errors, and also through my rising dreams and pursuits. So, thank you to MANY in my hometown for believing when I didn’t believe, and for bringing out the best in my heart’s desires for the Kingdom and for the world! I am so ecstatic for this next season of my life and for the new community I will be calling “home.” 

Virginia Beach/Norfolk, you will always remain a huge part of my life. My beloved family and friends, thank you for all your devotion and efforts to see me become more of the woman I never saw or expected myself to be growing into. My heart will move with great expectation of the Lord’s love that will hold you near to me while I’m in another state. His mercies are forever overflowing and though waiting is the most difficult, sometimes being still is the most intimate growth on gaining perspective and growing in God’s eternal love and life He’s intentionally brought us to be a part of!

Be encouraged! 

“Crowned with glory,” we have become. Discovering our sanity through rest, through the quiet times. Created to live righteously, boldly, and confidently through the chaotic structures of man.  “You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart.” PSALM 104:14-15 Sometimes we have to replace our fighting for a place of surrendering. Strong hearts are monumental and wisdom is a lion’s roar through the desert storms. We breathe unconditional breaths and live a life created for eternity’s taking. Death has been replaced with victory and that is where our foundation lies. Christ be with me, Christ be for me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ below me, Christ above me, Christ be with me.

“Crowned with glory,” we have become. Discovering our sanity through rest, through the quiet times. Created to live righteously, boldly, and confidently through the chaotic structures of man. 

“You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart.” PSALM 104:14-15

Sometimes we have to replace our fighting for a place of surrendering. Strong hearts are monumental and wisdom is a lion’s roar through the desert storms. We breathe unconditional breaths and live a life created for eternity’s taking. Death has been replaced with victory and that is where our foundation lies.

Christ be with me, Christ be for me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ below me, Christ above me, Christ be with me.

I haven’t had a chance to really update this with photos and stories I truly care about. Here are some of my favorite moments that I’ve experienced, favorite people I’m blessed to be surrounded by, and just some random beauty I’ve been able to capture. 

Meet Kelsie McNair! I’ve written about her and the grand opening of her local shop before, but let me elaborate more. Since I’ve first met Kelsie, she has brought a spring of hope into my life. She thrives in a community environment and produces the best out of people. She sees what is on the heart, alone. Since she has moved from Boston to Norfolk, Virginia she has created one of the most encouraging atmospheres and has proved to all the locals that she can really do anything she puts her mind to! Every moment spent with her is precious and vibrant to the soul.  She is a woman who does it all-built and runs her own vintage shop, an excellent photographer, a producer of beautiful melodies and captivating harmonies, and a woman who indeed puts the needs of others at hand. If you aren’t a local native in Virginia, follow Kelsie through her blogging because she writes about her lifestyle and the lifestyle’s of others! http://withlavenderandlace.blogspot.com/ 

Say hello to Skype Zentz! I am fascinated with this thriving, young-spirited woman! Her presence brings spring time to the soul, and so will her music. Who doesn’t love that?! I encourage you to introduce those ears and hearts of yours to Skye’s musical input. Enjoy!!

I don’t know why I haven’t posted this yet, but only a few weeks ago talented, passionate musicians were called into a living room. This created an opportunity for communal growth, musical input, and also an atmosphere of the heart. Music is developed through the desperation, the unity, and influences of the body, mind, and spirit. I was not only left encouraged from this night, but also blessed to know and grow with this artists of firm faith that shines with persistence and grace. Take a listen, soak it in, and let your spirit run with freedom. 

This past January, I joined a close friend of mine to a road trip to Boston. There I was introduced to Caleb Groh. He just released this new song and video and the world needs to take a listen! You can pre-order his album that will be released for ears this coming March 20th. http://itunes.apple.com/us/preorder/bottomless-coffee/id507148101 Enjoy!