Monday, March 29, 2010

This is why I run

When I first met Jeffy, he looked like this...



But after two weeks of food and love from
Real Hope for Haiti...



Look at those sweet dimples! Praise God for His miracles, and let's help those who are being the hands and feet of Jesus.

To sponsor me:
Checks can be made out to
"Real Hope for Haiti"-write "Audrey Ann" in the memo and send to

Real Hope for Haiti
PO Box 23
Elwood, IN 46036

Online giving can be done at http://www.haitirescuecenter.com/

Please email me with the donated amount, so that I can have an idea how much I raised. Thank you so much!



His love will never let us go! Let's help others know that love!


Sunday, March 21, 2010

My valiant Prince of Peace

Sometimes I become frantic about situations and issues in my life, and I try to take them over myself. You know what results? A mess. A major mess.

My prayer:

May my ears hear what You desire me to hear.
May my heart ache for and take delight in what You deem.
May my eyes notice and view what You want.
May my mouth speak your word.
May my inmost being yearn for You alone, the Living God.

The word "peace" is often underestimated. We see it as meaning "let's all get along," "wars are evil," or "a fuzzy feeling that makes us feel a sort of euphoria." But really, peace can come through a battle. The Lord Jesus is the Prince of Peace. When a battle is waging in my heart, and I am struck with deep sadness, the Prince may not carry me out of it right away, but He will lead me, and fight for me. Peace is not the absence of suffering, but the assurance that the Lord truly does know best, that He will be victorious, and that I am never alone.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

spring

Isn't it beautiful that God brings different seasons to us?
As much as I complain about snow, what a miraculous and joyous occasion when the sun returns and green appears. There is a song by Nichole Nordeman that I wish I wrote called, "Every Season."I have the lyrics below, or you could listen to it here.

"Every Season" Nichole Nordeman

Every evening sky, an invitation
To trace the patterned stars
And early in July, a celebration
For freedom that is ours
And I notice You
In children’s games
In those who watch them from the shade
Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder
You are summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered
To the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come
You are autumn

And everything in time and under heaven
Finally falls asleep
Wrapped in blankets white, all creation
Shivers underneath
And still I notice you
When branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You are winter

And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced
Teaching us to breathe
What was frozen through is newly purposed
Turning all things green
So it is with You
And how You make me new
With every season’s change
And so it will be
As You are re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring

At one time in my life, I did not fully understand when people talked about life as a journey or a road. But now I do. It winds and curves and there are hills, so many hills. But at the end of the day, when the sun is setting in a beautiful display of pinks and oranges, I can smile and truly know my soul is at rest. There is so much I do not know. There are so many fears. But the Maker and Sustainer of the universe holds me. So I can run, walk, and rest on that road in peace.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Sometimes loosening the grasp is the only way to clasp.
As I let go and reach for His hand--I dance a dance never before possible.
Praise His name for Him and His "all things are new" reality.


Last week I was able to run more--what a blessing. Please continue to consider sponsoring me, and please pray that I heal completely. Thank you so much!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Just some thoughts

                            Lillies of the valley are a reminder to me of the beauty and splendor of purity.


The love of God compels us...to act. to live. to breathe. to sleep well. to speak [of Him]...now.

The world compels me to freak out about finding an awesome job that people will say "Wow" with uplifted eyebrows when I tell them what I "do." 

The world compels me to make myself worthy of being in a parade--possessing beauty, charm, and a swimsuit body. 

But the Lord compels me to bow before His throne, in agony of my sin. He compels me to look at His face while tears rush down mine.

He currently compels me to see that I am not the lead character in a movie about me. I am not the heroine. I am not the one with the epic music playing in the background as I enter the room. Oh no, it is Him. Do you know Him? He is the Prince, and His name is Jesus. I am ashamed to say that I have hurt Him every day of my life, but I want to make Him deeply pleased with me. HE is the hero. I am an extra--a backup extra, even. But I will be ready, lines or not, when He calls me on the stage. I want to be ready. No messing around. 

May I not be His princess in title only, but in action.