the gather project

This is super nerve wracking to post because it's becoming more real with each passing day and moment.

About a year ago, I prayed a big prayer. I asked God to clarify His purpose in me, for me, and my words. I told Him I wanted to see Him do something big in me and know it was from Him. This blog has been a huge answer to that. But even bigger than this, I feel like God has called me to women. Whatever that is going to look like in the future, I don't know.. But right now he has given me clear vision for our area.

From what I've noticed across social media, bible study groups, and even in my own friend groups, is that women want and strongly desire community. To be heard, feel known, and grown deeper. A relationship with Jesus is the first step in that direction. But what next? I believe discipleship and community are the follow up. To be encouraged by women who are alongside you in circumstance AND faith. To be mentored by women who have walked those same paths before you. Enter, God.

The gather project is exactly that. The idea is for a (eventually) monthly meet up for women of our area (west Atlanta) to gather, dwell, and abide in Christ. Worship, fellowship, and encouragement for women who desire to know God deeper. Like an intimate conversation in the coziest of places in your home, surrounded by women who love Jesus and desperately want to make Him known.

If you're reading this, and you're in our area, you're probably thinking "isn't that like the grove at passion city?" my answer is... I don't know. I've never been to a grove service other than the summer party. But I'm cool with it being similar. Because our west Georgia area could benefit from women worshipping alongside women whom they run into at the grocery store, or on campus, or at church. We're praying for a unity of women from local churches to come together expectant on what God is going to bring to the table.

So don't be afraid to pray for the big stuff. He is good in all things. We aren't called to produce the fruit, we're called to abide and bear the fruit. I am so excited to see this season of saying yes to God and I'm praying you'll join me in support! Whether that's prayer, volunteering, giving, or being a part of this event! I love hearing that women are encouraged by real and honest biblical perspective. So lets get on a team, ladies.

"and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near"
hebrews 10:24-25




ROAR. and amen.

Also, any of my wonderful internet friends who are super talented...HELP in our logo struggle. The chalkboard image, but prettier. Comment or email me if you can be of assistance! Seriously, please. It's for Jesus ;)

it is for freedom

At the beginning of this year, I prayed for a purpose. Not anything super specific, but just that I would witness God move big, so big that I would know that it could only be Him. And also, I prayed for freedom.

God has done both. And it's July.

I'll wait on telling about the big things, because what I really want to talk about is freedom. God has pressed into me hard this year to abide. Abide in HIM because without Him, nothing happens. Lives don't get changed, roots don't grow deeper, vines don't bear fruits of the Holy Spirit. John 15:2 says "He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be more fruitful". And lately, I have found such freedom in that.

I've been doing Jess Connolly's Naptime Diaries, Abide, study. And i jotted something down last week that has been sinking in deeper and deeper. It is absolutely not about us, or what we'll gain, or what we'll become. It's about God and the characteristics He portrays. To me, that speaks loads into my issues with freedom. Jesus does not say try harder. He simply says, rest here. I have laid down my struggles before The Lord, my body insecurities, my anxiety over persecution and failure and fear, my need to be heard, all of that has bound me in my walk with Christ. Because we all tend to think we have to try harder. Be more kind, be more patient with our children, be more loving towards our husbands, be more gentle. And the freedom in Jesus and salvation is, we don't produce those fruit! We are just called to bear it and be the branches. By staying deep in God's word, we rest. Rest in knowing we don't have to have it all together. We don't have to be more. We can't. The world cannot make you more patient, or a better person. There is so much peace in who I am right now because Jesus has made my yoke so light.

I, by nature, am a wary person. I don't usually just jump hard into things. But lately, I've felt God calling me to surrender. Just a gentle whisper that says "jump! I got you!" But I'm like, God…You know I like to wade out. Not jump. So I have cannonballed into freedom. Not caring what it looks like to other people. Freedom to be who God has called me to be, and what God has called me to do. I got made fun of recently because I sort of, kind of, want a van. Y'all. I'm 24. With 3 kids. And I want a van. But I don't care! It is what it is ;) haterz gonna hate. I really enjoy working out. And I wish I could make it more of a priority, but I go when I can and that's a couple times a week. I look nothing like the girls I work out with AND THAT IS OKAY. I struggled for a little while because I would compare myself and that is such a slippery slope. So I got real with God and asked Him to speak purpose into me. To free my heart in ways I haven't even thought of. And He sure enough did.

After a season of hardship in my heart, it feels so beautiful to be at rest. To know it's not my struggle. to be able to say YES GOD. And Him take care.

What's holding you back from freedom in Christ? Let us not be afraid to get real with God. Because He is big enough to handle our breakdowns. And sure enough is the only one ho can put us back together.