This Christmas

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy!" Matthew 2:10

"He hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of all sins." Acts 5:31

         This Christmas season has been filled with laughter, happiness, fun, and good times—everything ideal for this time of the year. But the one thing I have missed out on this season happens to be the only thing that matters at all. I am guilty of getting wrapped up (no pun intended) in the busyness of the holiday season. Any chance I got to run to the mall, pick up gifts, or wrap presents, I took it in a heartbeat. I loved seeing old friends, spending time with my family, helping out at my church, etc. All these things are good things, don’t get me wrong. But I have missed out on sweet time with my Jesus, the real reason for the holiday season.

         This afternoon at Second Baptist Church’s Christmas Eve service, Pastor Dave Riggle gave an incredible sermon about the true meaning of Christmas, as he chose to share with the congregation a story he heard recently about a member at our church. It goes a little something like this: A woman took her 6 year old grandson to the grocery store about a week ago, where they saw a friend of the grandmother’s. The friend bends down and asks the little boy what most adults ask children around Christmastime, which is: “what are you asking for for Christmas?” He looks up at her, “um, you asked the wrong question.” She chuckles and looks at him curiously as to what he has to say next. He says, “its not about me, its about Jesus. Its His birthday, not mine. We should be asking each other what we’re going to give to Jesus for His birthday.”

        I love this. What a great reminder of why we celebrate this holiday. So, what are you going to give Jesus for His birthday? All He wants from you is you. Your heart. Your life. This Christmas, give Christ your heart. This Christmas, celebrate who He is. This Christmas, thank Him for His unfailing love. This Christmas, make memories with Jesus. He is the sole purpose of this day. He is the sole purpose of your life. 

Merry Christmas to all! 


“For God came not to be served, but to serve and be a ransom for many” Mark 10:45

these girls are truly radiant

This summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to be a counselor on my church's high school beach retreat. In my group, I was given the most amazing amazing girls on the face of this earth, four of whom I've gotten extremely close with! And let me tell you, it has been life-changing. I went to serve on beach retreat hoping to pour into these girls, give advice, etc. Instead, they changed my life. They have impacted me in ways I could never explain. As I continued my internship at the church the remaining time of that summer, I got to see the girls all the time! And maintaining deep friendships with each of them since last June has been incredible, even since I've been away at Baylor! When I come back in town from school, I get SO excited to see them, to hear about their lives and their precious hearts. They make it sound like I've influenced them, etc. But really, these girls are the ones that keep me grounded, joyful in Christ, proud to be a radiant woman of God.

"For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Zephaniah 3:17
       This verse reminds me of this group of girls especially because of the joy they contain in their hearts. These are the kind of girls you can just tell that they are radiant. They are literally glowing with the light of Christ! They have "Jesus eyes", as Karen Kingsbury would say. They are beautiful, inside and out. And I am more than confident that God has incredible plans for their lives.
....Hopefully starting with them all attending Baylor...just sayin' haha

I love you girls more than you know.
Praying for each of your hearts every single day.
I am always here for you.

Psalm 34:5 will ALWAYS remind me of you girls.

Keep pursing radiance.