the why

amidst my CPA studying days and feelings of inadequacy... it's articles like these that serve as a reminder, stir up inspiration, and stimulate gratitude. This article doesn't say anything special... but somehow it reminds me that there is a greater purpose for my education and experiences in life. I don't want to get all political on you... but basically the article touches on the fact that Haiti is in dire need of education and entrepreneurship. The exact two things that I have been slaving over for the past five years of my life. In exactly two weeks I will walk the stage to accept my diploma:

Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Master of Science in Accounting (emphasis in Entrepreneurial Leadership).

There are countless times when I sit in the library, coffee shop, or at my desk and look to the heavens with fists raised and cry, "WHY?!?"

this is why. Not because education or a degree is the next step in life. Not because it's something that you have to do in order to climb the social ladder. Not because it's the pathway to a "successful life and comfortable lifestyle."

today I've been reminded of the why: to be equipped.

I have to be honest and admit that I don't know exact uses of this "equipment." I have ideas. I have dreams. However, that's not the point. The point is that I am being equipped. Equipped with skills and useful tools in order that I may be poured out and used.

That's the reason why. Thanks Haiti. I'm reminded, inspired, and grateful.

the rich coast in fotos

don't tell my prof... I'm sitting in my MGMT class. it's so boring that I have resorted to updating the blog. that and I'm totally experiencing senoritis like I never have before. that and pinterest is updating their website so I can't pin anything. that and no one is on g-chat. ya. it's that bad.

anyways... here is the long overdue post of that one time we went to Costa Rica. (remember that one time when we went on an awesome vaca with the Blessings in March?) **please avoid looking at your calendars at this point in order to prove me "long overdue" by noting that the month of April is almost over** thanks.

 check out the hubs. he was excited to finally be in Costa Rica after a long day of travel. 

Chester provided endless entertainment. (don't tell him that's the only reason we brought him.)

One of the pools, complete with a swim up bar. We spent probably 70% of our time by the water... with a book and cold drink in hand. Now that's what I call a vaca!

fun mountain view from the resort. 

We went to the top of our resort one night to watch the sunset. 

View from one of the restaurants at the resort. 

 

One day we traveled to the National Park and hiked. This was on of my favorite days. Costa Rica is so beautiful and I loved being able to just explore and experience the forest. Jen officially gets the "Most Active Pregnant Lady" award. She was a rockstar! The hike took about 2.5 hours, one way!

Jen and I on a hanging bridge over water. So fun! 

We found one patch of monkeys. It was crazy to see them playing with each other and living in their natural habitat. 

They also had crazy big trees!

The final destination of our hike. An awesome waterfall! 

It was gorgeous! 

...and such a treat to swim in after the long, hot hike!

Will and Chester were brave and ventured behind the waterfall!

Will jumping. 

and chester. 

Things not pictured because we were having too fun (and mostly because I'm really bad about taking pictures)

• Jen and I got massages on the beach
• Will and I did a zip-lining excursion through the jungle and over this crazy gorge-thingy

• We went to another local beach for the day and hung out with all the locals. We even saw a pirate ship!
• We ate lots of yummy coconut ice cream! (couldn't get enough)
• We slept a lot...
• I won the award of "Reading Robot!" Literally- I read all the time! I went through 4 books! 
• Nurture
• One Thousand Gifts
• Hiding Place
• Tramp for the Lord
• We enjoyed our time without internet! 
• We perfected our ghosting skills. 

I'm sure I'm missing something, but you can take my word for it- we had a great time! Definitely a successful vacation/baby-moon.  Love ya Blessings! 

...oop. perfect timing! gotta go. class is over! :)

remember United Pursuit?

i'm liking them even more. check out their blog.

something they recently posted really struck home with me concerning tradition, the future of the church, and these two scriptures:

“This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men – the washing of the pictures and cups, and many other such things you do. All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.” 
-Mark 7:6-9
“Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.” – Matt. 15:6

"Tradition says hold onto the old ways of doing things, no matter what. It pretends that our religion actually works. It gets a certain counterfeit life from the whole thing.

But a new wineskin is forming. It’s organic in nature. It grows by the Spirit, not by human institutions. May we not miss what God is doing in this hour. It’s simpler than we think. It’s Jesus being our center, focus, point, and pursuit. Worship is the overflow. God sings over us first, and our lives sing back to Him. Community is grown from His presence. The broken and weary are invited in the family, and they actually want to stay. And it’s sustainable.

“The great difference between the present-day Christianity and that of which we read in these New Testament letters is that to us it is primarily a performance; to them it was a real experience.” J.B Phillips

This makes me jealous. This bothers me. This makes we want to purse God all the more. Not just alone, but with my covenant friends."

hmmm... so true. I DO NOT want to miss what God is doing in this hour! Will and I are so so so thankful for our "covenant friends" to walk with. Our community truly has "grown from His presence" and nothing is more sustainable than that! It totally leaves us just wanting more! 


on another note: did you know that World Mandate is coming to College Station? I have never been, but I have always heard such good things about it- and I usually end up stealing podcasts and CDs from friends that have gone.


7pm April 7th at Rudder! Check out the promo video! 

dance!? what!? I'm even more excited! yay for more kingdom vision!