The Greatest Display of Love

Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous; is not proud; is not conceited; does not act foolishly; is not selfish; is not easily provoked to anger; keeps no record of wrongs; takes no pleasure in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. ~I Corinthians 13:4-7


The greatest display of love is seen in the above bible verse. God created perfect love, He is the perfect lover. However, I have seen great qualities of this love displayed in the way my mother raised me. My mother is not only a beautiful women (on the inside and out) but she is brilliant, caring, and a women of God. I look up to her so much!
Considering it is almost mothers day I wanted to do more than just give her a card this year (which i will still do) to tell her what she means to me. I wanted EVERYONE to know how amazing she is and how grateful I am that she is my mom. So mom, this one is for you :).

(My Favorite pic of my mom)

The Greatest Display of Love is Found in My Mothers Hands 

Your hands cradled me after I was born. 

Full of love. Shaky but firm. 

You gave me life, in the most fragile form. 

Your hands raised me 

Full of frustration at times, Im sure.

You gave me a childhood, memories, and so much more. 

Your hands waved, as you sent me to school. 

Full of excitement, year after year.

You made me take that picture, even though it "wasn't cool"

(My first day of school. Mom took this pic every year)

Your hands comforted me, more times than one.

Full of compassion and empathy 

You gave me security when I had none. 

(My mom with me after my last cheerleading performance ever)

Your hands laced up my dress on the most important day of my life.

Full of joy and support, you laced me up tight

You gave me your blessing and I became a wife.

Someday I hope to have hands like you.  

You gave me everything

Just like a mother should do :)

Thank you for always being by my side, mom. I love you very very very much. You are one of my best friends. Thank you for raising me the way that you did. You an amazing mom.

For my fellow Vikings... and Golden Eagles

A year has gone by???? I am a "Senior"???? Is this real life????

                                                            (Me on my first day at ORU)

As I reflect on my first year at Oral Roberts University my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude at the opportunity I have been given. This school has been a direct answer to my prayers and I am so blessed to be able to be a part of it. I am achieving things I never imagined myself to achieve. As Oral said, "Make no little plans here". I have made friends here that I feel like I have known my entire life, friends that I know I will have for the rest of my life. I have professors that inspire and push me to places that I would have never dreamed to go. I go to a school where God is the center of everything. Going to school at a place with so much vision, that offers so much inspiration, is truly a privilege (and I pray that everyone at the school can see and appreciate how amazing this school really is). 

HOWEVER, I would not be able to appreciate this place for all that is is if I wouldn't have first been at Missouri Valley College. Valley was in no way "glamorous", but it was beautiful (in a way only few can comprehend... few).

                                          (Micah and I after one of my first games at MVC)

My Junior year of high school I visited MVC for the first time and vowed that I would never go there. God seems to enjoy showing us that we really should "never say never" (Him and Justin Bieber have that in common I suppose). I had NO idea why God was calling me to Valley (other than the fact my fiance felt a very strong call there). I went out of obedience (expectant, but reluctant), out of curiosity, and for cheerleading. I had no idea that Valley would have such an impact on me. I learned so much about myself, about my call, and about people. I was able to learn how to cherish precious relationships (my dear roommate that became my best friend, my cheerleading family, my fiance who became my husband). So many GOOD things happened to me at Valley. God prepared my heart for what I am doing now at ORU and I wouldn't trade those 2 years of my life for anything. So, thank you to everyone who I came into contact with at MVC. You are ALL precious to me and although I love where I am now, I think of you often. I know there are seeds planted on that soil and I am confident in the people who are still there to water them. I pray for you and the school still. VALLEY WILL ROLL!

Each season of life has brought me so much joy. I love living for God and all of the twist and turns involved. I am so excited for what the future holds and so thankful for the journey so far. Thank you for all who pray for me and who have been a part of it!

LOVE you all!!!!!

Long time no post. Heres a fairy tale for all!

First I would like to apologize for my absence. In my defense, I did warn you that I don't have time for this :). We had to write a fairy tale for the final assignment in my Composition class. I thought A LOT about this fairy tale. It has very significant meaning to me and is about one of my dearest friends. I hope you enjoy it!

The Artist

            Once upon a time, in a land closer than some would imagine, lived an ordinary girl with an ordinary name in an ordinary town. “Ugh,” May sighed as the only cloud in the otherwise clear sky covered the sun, blocking the source for her head start on a suntan. That’s just my luck, May thought as she peered over the rim of her sunglasses at the lack of sun in the sky. Disappointed, she lay there and began to think about all of the instances in her life where a cloud was obstructing her light: her parents divorce, trouble with boys, constantly being let down, her recent addiction, rehab, and being stuck in a town the size of a thumbnail. It was true that most of her life she had lived in the shadow of one thing or another. All that May ever wanted was to be loved and to make an impact on the world with her artistic abilities.

Out of the blue, putting an end to May’s daydream, a single pink blossom from a dogwood fell upon her torso. May sat up, startled by the duel irony of the flower; it was the same flower that she had tattooed on her back after her grandmothers passing and there was no dogwood tree in sight. How is this possible? She thought as she looked around for some sort of hint about the strange happening. The wind picked up and simultaneously her answer was found in the stream of dogwood blossoms dancing through the air. They seemed to be leading her somewhere, begging her to follow them into the woods. Impulsively she leaped out of her chair to follow the blossoms, like a child intrigued by where they might be taking her. May felt inspired, giddy almost, when suddenly she started hearing a familiar voice. She settled in behind a bush, eavesdropping on the scene before her. There stood a small crowd of people all different some dressed in rags. May realized in the midst of her spying that her sunglasses were gone. I must have dropped them in my desperate flee towards the woods… dang it, those were my favorite, she thought to herself.

Out of curiosity, May snuck out from behind the bush to a nearby tree so that she could be closer to the event. I know that voice, she thought. Although she could not see the man’s face, she knew that he was not a stranger. Her new vantage point caused her to discover the purpose of this gathering; the people were receiving rewards of some sort. The faces of the people looked perplexed, like maybe they didn’t even know why they were there. “Today, you all step up in rank,” said the familiar voice. May witnessed a women in rags receive a badge for being noble, a man with tired eyes being given a certificate for his faithfulness, and a small boy in full armor was given a sword recognizing that he was being honored for his bravery.

The familiar voice boomed, “May Jewel, would you please step up to receive your reward?” Startled, May stepped out gingerly from behind the tree. How did He know I was here, she thought as she obediently progressed toward the man, whose face was hidden by the sunbeam that was piercing her eyes through the tree’s canopy. I guess that cloud finally moved, May thought, I wish I had those sunglasses. “May, I know that you are an artist because you are the hardest one to deal with,” said the man. The crowd giggled at his statement. “Today I present you with this ring so that you know I acknowledge your perseverance”. May began to tear up as she realized who the man was, The Artist. “I am not deserving of this reward sir,” said May, as her heart melted in her chest. “No, you are not, but you will be.” The man grinned and his smile seemed to reach across his entire face, a welcoming smile. “You have been given great gifts, and although you have lived in the shadow you will soon step into the light. Use those gifts May. Think of this ring as a promise for your future. Good things are going to happen to you.”

Sweat dripped down May’s neck, heat consuming her body. Her eyes fluttered open and she was back on her chair basking in the sun. I must have fallen asleep, she thought, and the sun must have decided to come out from behind that cloud. She examined her sun burned body as well as her hand, hoping for a second that the ring in her dream would be present on her finger. I wonder how long I was asleep… and what a strange dream that was. May peeled herself out of her chair to go get a drink from inside. Halfway to the door she realized she had forgotten her sunglasses but when she turned around to retrieve them they were not there. What she did see made her heart race and her hope come to life; a small pink dogwood blossom resting under her chair, no tree in sight.

“But we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5: 3-5           

True Life: I want a tattoo

Attention all readers... apparently I have a rebellious side. Tattoos and nose rings have been on my mind lately. I don't know if I am just having a mid-college life crisis or what, but I have really been considering one or both of these things to be a part of who I am.

I have been contemplating the idea of a tattoo for about... 2 years now.
Before you freak out (mom and micah), I will first list the reasons that this probably wont happen.
1. My mother will no longer help me pay for school. This is a problem considering that school is sorta a huge expense...
2. My husband does not prefer that this happen.
3. Im kinda scared.
4. Im afraid that I would hate my tattoo in approximately 20 years.

BUT if I were to get one, these are the tattoos that I would consider.
I love the placement of this tattoo..... but this is the one that I would be the least likely to get... (mine would be smaller though).

The pros to this tattoo would be that I could have part of my favorite chapter in the bible tattooed (Isaiah 61). I consider this to be a huge part of my calling and would love to have these words on my body so that I could be constantly reminded of this calling. However, no one would see this tattoo (besides during the summer) and it would hurt really bad. Also, the whole point of getting a tattoo would be to use it as a means to talk to people about Jesus and people would not see this tattoo enough to be used as a ministry tool.

Of corse, I enjoy the less obvious tattoo placement of this tattoo...

If I were to get a tattoo here, I would have it say the word "eternity".  This would be a really good conversation starter and hopefully would make people ponder eternity and where they are headed.

Like I said, the chances that I will actually get a tattoo are slim. But I have pondered it quite a bit. An alternative idea that I have come up with is the idea of getting a white-ink tattoo. These are less obvious, and less of a commitment because (from what I hear/read) they fade within approximately 5-10 years. However, they look kinda creepy (like scars)... see

Its a possibility.
Hmmmmm..... Madi has a rebellious side? Who would have ever guessed :)
I just love creativity and expression of creativity.
Summer 2012 possibly?
Guess you will have to wait and see :)

The Weight of Glory

I can't believe I am going to write a blog about something I read for school... but I am. I am fortunate to go to an amazing school that loves to talk about Jesus, Oral Roberts University. Because of this, we get to read really cool stuff that has to do with Jesus :). I will start by saying I am SO grateful for that because I haven't always had that luxury (all of those reading from Missouri Valley may now reply "Amen").

We read "The Weight of Glory" by C.S. Lewis for my comp 303 class (which I was sorta bitter about having to take because I felt that I had already taken it, transferring sucks). It was sorta long, really dense, and at times hard to pay attention to BUT I ended up being extremely blessed by it, so now I shall share that with you.

Here is a brief synopsis of what the essay is about: Lewis mentions some of the promises that we are entitled to as believers (1. we shall be with Christ 2. we shall be like Him 3. with an enormous wealth of imagery, we shall have "glory" 4. we shall be fed or feasted or entertained and 5. we shall have some sort of official position in the universe, ruling cities, etc). Lewis focus, however, is on promise 3: that we shall have glory. Wow... GLORY, me? us? Yes.

So what does this mean? Are we even worthy of glory? Lewis brings this up, the fact that Christians are uncomfortable being rewarded at all, especially with glory. Lewis explains this beautifully when he says, "The reward he is going to get will, in actual fact, be a natural or proper reward, but he will not know that until he has got it.". I believe the previous quote is how we remain humble. The reason we are so uncomfortable with the fact that we will be rewarded with glory is because we feel we are unworthy (and we are, BUT His grace...). We feel that in order to achieve a great reward we must do something great. But God remembers EVERYTHING we do, he especially likes to remember all of the good things we do (Mark 9:41-I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward). God is so good, and he rewards us according to our good works. Every person is destined for glory (according to Lewis) but the beauty is that God gave us a free will, the ability to choose to claim that glory or not.

What really got me was the discussion in class. We discussed the fact that if we really view everyone as destined for glory, how then will that change the way we treat people. I found myself welling up with tears in class because of how heavy this notion is. When you really see people as either destined for glory, or not, it becomes this incredibly heavy issue. Like, everything I say to someone is ultimately assisting them into glory or to horrible corruption. Heavy. Lewis closes the essay by making the point that because of this very premiss, "there is no ordinary people". You are not ordinary because God is extraordinary and He made you in His image. You are extraordinary, destined for glory.

"The load, or weight, or burden of my neighbor's glory should be laid on my back, a load so heavy that only humility can carry it, and the backs of the proud will be broken."

James 4:6 
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

1 Peter 5:2-4 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

The V Day.

Hello All,

As we come off of one of the most hyped up holidays (that really felt like more of a normal Tuesday for me) I would like to leave you with some of my thoughts/highlights of the day.

This is my second Valentines day as a married woman. Needless to say, it was the best one yet! So what did we do? Go on a date? Eat a candle light dinner at home? Watch the notebook and reflect back on our first date? No sir. All of those things are great (maybe exaggerated the last one a bit), but lets be real, none of those things are practical on Valentines day. Restaurants are packed out the door, movies are full as well... and plus what makes one day of the year more lovable than the rest?

My honey came in from school today (after sending me texts about how horrible traffic was) and the first thing out of his mouth was, "Valentines Fail!" :(. The poor guy had drove all the way, battling horrible Valentines Day traffic, to the mall to get me a phone case that I had expressed interest in and they didn't have the right one for my phone! He was trying so hard to be thoughtful (because I am very anti-flowers, so he has to be creative with gifts). Although his efforts were very appreciated, and might I add adorable, I ended up with no physical gift for Valentines day. But what I did receive was even greater!

We ate dinner, conversed about some things that were on my heart, worked out (found out that we actually really motivate each other while working out), and then just hung out. Simplicity is bliss in our marriage. We plan on going to a movie/out to eat maybe this weekend once all the V-day crazies go home and return to being bland.

So, I guess the lesson learned is that when there is no time for elaborate ValenTIMES... make time :).
I love my hubby.
I love you.
Happy Valentines Day!!!!!!

Seriously though, do I have time for this?

Alright, heres the deal. Im being very vulnerable right now and quite frankly it makes me a little uncomfortable. I've wanted to start a blog for a while now but have been rather intimidated. After several deeply considered attempts, followed by backing out, I have finally decided to pull up my big girl panties and take a leap. You never grow without first becoming uncomfortable. So here. we. go. (Im cringing as a write this).

I feel like I am an inspirational, creative, sporadic kind of person. Perfect for blogging right? Hopefully. Ok but seriously, I am a creative person and I have been searching for a good outlet. So here we go, what am I going to write about in this time that I don't have you may wonder? Well... I have no idea but I'll try to give you a rough outline.

I love Jesus with all my heart, He is my inspiration and will be for most of my posts. I also love Micah John. He is a full time law student and full time child, the two make an interesting pair that I know as my husband. He will provide some interesting topics to discuss as well. I also am a full time student, wife, employee, and friend. My life is full of hilarious times, tough times, and not enough time. I plan to begin to document all of these cherished times in this little blog.

I can't wait to start this step of faith. (eeeek... I feel like I'm signing the yearbook of someone really important or something...).