Redeeming Love

"She thought she had been saved by his love for her, and in part she had been. It had cleansed her, never casting blame. But that had been only the beginning. It was loving him in return that had brought her up out of the darkeness. What can I give him more than that? I would give him anything." (Redeeming Love. Francine Rivers)

I choose to give Him everything.

And it has been loving Him in return that has saved me out of the darkness. Not a man, but Jesus Himself. When His presence is near, when it lingers as a lover's does, my heart is made whole. And that is what I have wanted more than anything else. My heart made whole.

welcome back to the throne room

this woman is amazing! truly.

The first time I met her, I asked her an incredibly personal question- what should I do if I was a Christian having sex? She sat across from the bright-eyed freshman that I was, in the middle of the student center, tears flowing, and told me exactly what the Word of God said- Stop. It seems simple, but it changed my life. There has always been something about her that makes me feel safe and loved. Really loved. She changes my life.

(Bella took this picture... my kid is gifted. I need a bumper sticker!) :)


She came to visit me this past weekend, just a week or so before being deployed to Iraq. God sent her in a time of great need. She spoke to my spirit in a way few people can and she welcomed me back into the throne room of God. You'd figure after 7 years that there would be several hours of awkward reconnecting... not with Annie. It was instantaneous. It was wonderful. A piece of my heart goes with her to Iraq and I am so blessed to know her. The presence of God that she brought to our home is powerful. I miss her already, but I look forward with joy to many more hours and weekends spent seeking God together.

Oh, and she got to meet Bella.
They hit it off magnanimously!