The Time Has Come to Step Out In Faith

"Lord, I desire to have big faith. I plead with you to do something in my life that will deepen my faith and the faith of others."

Those two sentences were my prayer for 2008. I began praying those sentences January 1, 2008. If I'm honest, it was probably the first time that I ever really prayed for something so open-ended, and at times it was pretty scary. I had no clue how God was going to answer my cry for deep faith...was He going to bring sickness to me or a loved one, was He going to ship me off to another country, was I going to have to leave a job I loved...I had no clue what He was going to do, but I knew that it was time to take my faith to another level.

I began praying for big faith like I've never prayed before. I prayed daily---and more than just in the morning and at night. I journaled often. It took a few months, but in time the Lord began to remind me of a passion and desire that I had had in my heart for years...a passion and desire to minister to young women. Now, remember...I'm new to these open-ended, asking big type of prayers. I didn't see how my plea to have deeper faith and my passion to minister to young women really went together. Three words...I WAS WRONG.

As I prayed and asked others to pray...if you're reading this, then you probably fall into that category, and I can't tell you enough how thankful I am for your prayers and support...I could sense the Lord pulling me away from my current job that I LOVE to do something else. It's funny, I didn't know where He was going to put me, but during that time of prayer, I realized that sometimes you just have to step out in FAITH. So, I met with my boss and told him that I had no clue what the next step really looked like, but I knew that if I stayed where I was, I would not be following the Lord's will. I got some crazy looks from people as the word began to leak out that I would be leaving my job, especially during this economy. For the past year and a half, I have worked in the marketing department for Chick-fil-A. Yes, that would be the company has a mission statement that starts with the words "To glorify God." AMAZING company. I'm forever grateful for the people I met and the projects that I got to work on, but I know if I am following The Lord, He will provide.

It looks like this blog is getting long...I'm normally not for the long posts...but as I was reading over what I wrote, I realized that it sounded like I spent the past year following the Lord without any hesitation. Let me be the first to say that when I woke up each morning, I wasn't always saying "I Surrender All." I wrestled with God during each stage.

Do I really have to leave a job I love with people I love, especially if I don't know what I'm going to do? I know, God...how about I just lead a small group for girls! No, scratch that...how will I be able to minister to young women when I am still struggling with many of the issues they struggle with? How am I going to be able to pay my bills? God, I think you have got the WRONG girl for this job!

So, there you have it. My last day is TOMORROW. Starting next week I will be a nanny...another post for another day, but I am SO EXCITED about that! I have 100% NO IDEA where I am going to be 7 months from now when my lease runs up. Normally, that would totally freak me out, but the peace I have is beyond measure. Maybe that's because I've learned that when you choose to chase after God, He will chase after you with His blessings.

I'm so thankful that last January I decided to pray for big faith. I'm so glad that I decided for the first time in my life to really, REALLY let the Lord have 100% control.

I know that was long, but I felt like I had to get it out there. You probably don't remember it since you read it about 10 minutes ago :), but the second part of my plea was to deepen the faith of others. The best way I know to do that is to share my story.

I pray that the Lord will show you what it feels like to have big faith. Prayers and blessings!

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" -Isaiah 6:8

Praise and Prayer

I’m not married--never have been--hope to be one day. But this post isn’t about my relationship status.

In one month ONE MONTH, my bestest friend in the whole world is getting MARRIED! From the time she got engaged last September, I have been one of the happiest kids alive. It’s been so fun to watch her plan the special day. It’s been equally as fun to watch her hubby-to-be. He’s just interested enough in the wedding to help, but not so interested that everything has to be his way. It's really the perfect combination.

I’ve talked before about how they are made for each other...a match made in heaven. They really are a wonderful example of God’s plan for marriage: two people who love the Lord with their whole being, who strive daily to serve Him and make His name known and then follow God’s example of love shown toward each of us to love each other.


Lord, I thank you for Natalie and Scott. For their commitment to You and each other and the example they have set for so many, including myself.

From the very beginning, Natalie and Scott have desired for their wedding ceremony to be glorifying to the Lord…a chance to show others that a wedding is about more than dresses, cake and flowers. Will you join me in praying for them as they finalize all of the little details over the next month? They are both really busy and may not be checking the blog regularly right now, but I know they would both welcome your prayers.

Forever Changed

Can you look back to an event in your life and say, "my life will never be the same?" I have had a few such moments, but few quite as special as January 19, 2006. On this day, three years ago, my precious niece was born. I can't explain the feeling that I had when my Mom came into the waiting room and announced that my sister had just given birth to a beautiful baby girl. As she began telling us about her weight, length, eyes and hair, I remember thinking...I am an Aunt. There is a little baby girl a few doors down that will one day see me and say "that's my Aunt Lindsey."

The smile she put on my face the first time I saw her is still there today. If possible, it just gets bigger and bigger as she gets older. I'm so proud of the little girl that she is. Her heart is tender, but she is so full of spunk. The past 3 years have been filled with smiles, laughter and wonderful memories...at the center of many of those is a little girl by the name of Emma Kate.

Forever Changed...Forever Grateful! I love, you EK!

Getting knocked down with truth and love

When I moved to the big city, everybody asked me “how long does it take you to get to work?” Well…thankfully, I’m usually going in the opposite direction from the majority of the drivers so traffic isn’t that big of an issue. However, it still takes me about 30 minutes to get to work each morning. At first I found this frustrating, but it has become one of my favorite parts of the day.

My morning routine usually involves me cranking up the Praise and Worship music…nothing like a little Chris Tomlin, Hillsong or Aaron Keyes to get me ready for the day. Today was a little different because as soon as I cranked up my car, my phone started making noises. When my phone starts buzzing that early in the morning, 99% of time it is either my sister or my sweet friend, Natalie.

This morning was no different. When I picked up my phone I saw a a short message from Natalie that said, “Read the Spurgeon today. It will knock you down with truth and love.” I could hardly wait to get into work so I could read what it had to say.

For those of you that have never heard of Spurgeon, Charles Spurgeon is said to have been one of the most influential preachers and teacher of all time. He’s the real deal. Google him…you’ll see what I mean. He had so many good things to say that there is a Spurgeon archive with a new mediation for each day…a wonderful thing to add to your morning!

Just so you know, I did get knocked down by truth and love. But…there’s nobody that I’d rather be knocked down by than My Savior.


As I reflect on the teaching this morning, I am thankful and challenged.

Thankful for a friend that constantly encourages me on this faith journey
Challenged to be more of that to her.

Thankful for a Lord that hears even my faintest call.
Challenged to call to Him without hesitation in all circumstances.

Laugh of the Day....Lauren and Lage act

When a group gets together at Kingsley, one thing is for sure…fun is always had. So there was no hesitation when Lage suggested that we all come to his house after the Shane and Shane concert last Friday night. By the way, the concert…unbelieveable!

There’s really nothing like sitting on the porch with the outdoor fire going. Granted, it is January so it was pretty close to 30 degrees outside and we froze to death…but memories were definitely made and that’s all that matters.

One of the highlights of the evening was the discussion on hidden talents. I realized, once again, that I don’t really have any. I can’t wiggle my ears, make my tongue into a four leaf clover or talk with my mouth closed. Yes, I said TALK WITH MY MOUTH CLOSED. Before Friday, I had never heard of such before, but Miss Lauren can talk AND sing with her mouth closed. Please note that I said MOUTH, not teeth. Don’t worry, I got it on video so you can see what I’m talking about.

So, check it out….the Lauren and Lage act...

Sorry about the break...I'm back!

I didn't really get into the blog scene until the middle of last year. In fact, I don't think I had even read a blog before last March. So, this is the first time I've seen a bloggy new year. I don't have the patience to go through my posts and pick out my favorite memories, but 2008 was definitely a year to remember.

The last few days of the year were filled with wonderful memories with family and friends. The Smith family had a world-wind Christmas...I'm telling you my niece just keeps getting cuter and cuter. She got so many gifts that half-way through the opening, she decided that she needed to take a nap. What 2, soon to be 3 year old does that??

On the 27, I flew out with Scott (the best friend's fiance' for those that are just now starting to read) to visit Natalie and her family in Dallas. I've been begging Natalie to blog for months now. She's got a super fun life and always makes me laugh, but also is never short on words of wisdom---a great combination for a blogger, don't you think. So, to get her in the blogging spirit, I'm going to get her to guest blog for me. I know she will fall in love with it!

The low-down on all of the fun we had in Dallas will be posted soon via Natalie. I'm just letting you know so when you comment...direct the kudos to her.