inspiration..

we all have our own role models or people we look up to in each of our lives. i have several but one id like to share with you today is a Christian singer by the name of Kari Jobe. i had the absolute pleasure to go to one of her concerts this past summer in Grand Rapids, MI with my mom and sisters. the concert was one of the most powerful experiences i have ever had. Kari's presence on stage was one that you dont see to often when it comes to Christian artists. it was obvious that she was in love with Jesus Christ. her passion was evident not only in her presence but also in her songs. i havent found a song yet that she sings where i havent been able to relate to or find inspiration from. i dont have a particular favorite but one that ive listened to lately is called "One Desire" the lyrics go like this:

Here I am
Just for You, only You
Here I stand
Wanting You, only You

In Your presence Lord
I will find my strength
You're the breath in me
You're my everything

With my heart bowed low
And my hands held high
All consuming fire
You're my one desire

You're name, oh You're name
Let it stay on my lips
I will seek Your face
God, it's You, only You

In Your presence Lord
I will find my strength
You're the breath in me
You're my everything

With my heart bowed low
And my hands held high
All consuming fire
You're my one desire

In Your presence Lord
I will find my strength
You're the breath in me
You're my everything

With my heart bowed low
And my hands held high
All consuming fire
You're my one desire

It's You, God
It's You
It's You, only You

My heart will always sing
I love You, I love You
My heart will always sing
I love You, I love You
My heart will always sing
I love You, I love You
My heart will always sing
I love You, I love You

In Your presence Lord
I will find my strength
You're the breath in me
You're my everything

With my heart bowed low
And my hands held high
All consuming fire
You're my one desire

In Your presence Lord
I will find my strength
You're the breath in me
You're my everything

With my heart bowed low
And my hands held high
All consuming fire
You're my one desire

It's You, God
It's You
It's You, only You
Lord, it's You, God
It's You
It's You, only You
Yeah, it is You

My heart will always sing
I love you, I love you
My heart will always sing
I love you, I love
My heart will always sing
I love you

arent the lyrics are so beautiful? so i'd definitely recommend that you look Kari up and listen to some of her songs. they always seem to give me hope no matter where im at in life. take care. 

talking to Him...

my day started out on a really refreshing note. a group of about 20 of us students gathered at 7:30AM at our school. we split up into small groups and went throughout the school praying. we began by praying as a large group over our principle and superintendent's offices. my group then went off and prayed through the elementary wing. it was such a powerful experience for me. knowing that God's presence is so evident through the Pettisville community and school. we also took time to pray for a family in our school that is grieving the tragic loss of a loved one. i realized that even though i go to a public school God is still real. i have a unique experience. coming from a private Mennonite school to a public school it has given me a new perspective on things. i can think of both positives and negatives about  both my experiences at two different schools. to end the day i met with a beloved friend. we met to gather our thoughts and plans for leading FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) on Wednesday of this week. our focus throughout this month in FCA has been prayer. so our idea  for this week is to talk about different ways of being in communication with God. sometimes, at least i know for myself i overlook the power and importance of prayer. but then i realize how much i am in communication with so many people on a daily basis (talking, texting, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) just think if we would talk or "tweet" God as often as we do with others? how would our relationship with Him be different? God wants to know us but more importantly He wants us to know Him. the more we seek Him the more we will find Him. the more we find Him the more we will fall in love with Him. a love so deep. a peace so overwhelming. prayer is about getting to know God...anyways all that to say i was reminded as we were planning our talk togehter of how special this friend has been and is to me. i was feeling a little depressed coming home from VA. realizing how much i had missed my beloved friends in VA. but today as i was talking to her i realized that God has blessed me with a really good friend. not only someone i can trust but someone who has been such an inspiration and motivator in my walk with Christ. a midst the hard stuff God always provides. so a good day overall. it always helps me to look back on it and realize the many different ways God is at work :) take care. 

rekindling the words

its kind of been awhile since i've wrote on my blog. so much has happened since january 2nd, 2012. so many memories. so many learning experiences. i have grown so much in the past year. i have grown in my relationship with God, with my family, with my friends. i have begun to realize more of who i am and what God is calling me to in NW Ohio. it hasnt always been easy. it hasnt always been fun. but i am stronger because of it. i came home yesterday after a short trip home to VA. i was able to surprise my friends in their musical The Sound of Music. so many emotions consumed me as i was able to be in the place i once called my literal home although i still think of it as home. feelings of anger were present as i realized how much i have missed home and how much i wish i could move back. and feelings of pure happiness as i reminisced with my friends i realized how no matter how far apart we are nothing will change. they still love me for who i am. all to say as i was experiencing these multiple emotions i was reminded of my blog. i wrote in it quite often when in VA. and now that volleyball is over and all that my life consists of as of now is school, i thought to myself "emily, start writing again." so i pledge from here till i find its impossible i will keep you updated with my journey. my journey with my friends, with my family, but ultimately the one who holds my everything--JESUS.  take care.