You Don't Have to BE to DO.

So, I haven't written in a while. Partly because I'm a college student and so free time is simply nonexistent. And partly because I don't have anything to say these days. But also, to be truthfully authentic, I've doubted my writing - my ability to effectively communicate and produce something worth reading.

But today, I decided to write anyway. No, I do not have the time. No, I do not really have much to say. And yes, you can expect comma displacements,  misused words, and probably run-on sentences. But today, I am deciding to write anyway.

I read this blog sometimes and yesterday, it was just what I needed to read.
 "you don't need to be a "writer" to come to these retreats. You just need to want to write, have a story to tell,  and have a will to write it..." 

You see, sometimes you just have to do things... even if everything in you is telling you reasons why you can't or shouldn't. Because if you decide not to do it, you'll miss the opportunity to discover that you actually can.   Friend, you do not have to be an eloquent writer, or english-major, to write. You don't have to be a singer to sing. You don't have to be a dancer to dance. You don't have to be a missionary to go. And devil, I don't have to be an artist to create. 

So, I invite you with me on this journey of writing. It may be a bit pitchy at times and I may just miss a step here and there, but I promise you will find inspirational discoveries, entertaining stories (of course, told from my end), and the heart of a girl that purely wants to please her Lord. And that, my friends, will be an interesting trip. 

Also, if you're looking for more inspiration, please check-out my friend, Charlyn's blog. She is one of those daughter's of the King that will have an extra huge mansion in heaven because that's how much joy she brings to Him. 

At this moment.

At this moment I'm lying in my twin-sized bed waiting to fall asleep. I have to be up at 6am tomorrow for the Beth Moore Simulcast hosted at Crosswalk Community Church. But, I made the mistake of taking a nap today and indulging in a cappuccino tonight - now I'm wondering if I'll ever fall asleep.

 I'm listening to Brianna breath heavily because she's long asleep. It's rare we don't fall asleep at the same time after a long chat. Actually, it's rare we don't do anything at the same time. I'm relishing in the silence of our house because it's never this quiet. However, I can still hear my momma's footsteps, because she never goes to bed. Or so it seems.

At this moment I'm feeling pensive and thankful. Pensive because I'm thinking about today and thankful because I'm thinking about tomorrow. Today was a long day that was entirely devoted to assisting my mom in getting ready for tomorrow's big event. We've went all around town, picking up coffee orders and square readers. But despite today's stress and pressure, I'm thankful.  I will get to see the fruit of these endeavors when I greet multi-generational women tomorrow and together, engage in the realm of God. Im also thankful because I know that this is only the beginning for Crosswalk Women.  I know that tomorrow is only the preamble of what The Lord has in store. I'm also thankful that we did get everything we needed for the cafe tomorrow because I'm really looking forward to a morning latte.

Now, I'm capturing this moment in this room because I can probably count how many more nights that I have left sleeping in it. But that's for another post ;). Told ya I was pensive tonight! 

What are you doing at this moment? What are you pensive about and thankful for?

-Whit

*note: I typed this on my mobile device so please excuse any auto-corrects, or other mess-ups. ;)

#3 {the blessing of a good read}

It's no secret that I'm not a reader. Perhaps it's the reason why my sisters have such a better way with words than I do. Growing up,  my own imagination was always enough to satisfy my urge for adventure. I would rather create stories in my head than read about them in books. During my homeschooling years, I could hardly stand History class because it required a whole lot of listening to my mom read books such as, Johnny Tremain and The Sign of the Beaver. Boring. Needless to say, my memories of those days consist of drawing some of my best pictures and thinking of some of my greatest ideas.  In middle school,  at night when my sisters were engrossed in their fictional obsessions, I would work on math homework... for the next day. Yes, I know, I'm an overachiever.  When we went into Christian Bookstores and they would inevitably choose to buy the newest Lori Wick (an Author of christian romance)  novel, I was good with the new, hippest Bible case or something of that sort.

For years, every January and every summer, I make a reading list. In hopes that I will actually change myself. And every December and every fall, there is a stack of unfinished books sitting on my nightstand. Sometimes I only make it past the prologue... shhhhh!

But this fall, and even last January, was an accomplishment. Instead of reading to find pleasure,  I read to find treasure, and I did. I read to be inspired and enthused, and I was. I found books that did not just tell a story, but rather, tell someone's story. I was captivated when I read The Story of Dietrich Bonhoefer, a pastor and theologian who lived during the tumultuous times of the Second World War. As a German, his sole purpose was to demonstrate utmost integrity, unwavering valiance, and unfaltering faith during injustice.  Though this innocent man endured months in prison and was eventually exiled,  he said, "gratitude changes the pangs of memory into a tranquil joy." Bonhoeffer led a life worthy of the calling he had received (Eph. 4:1) and he knew the cost of discipleship.  His lasting legacy is still impacting many lives today.

Another fabulous read is Christine Cain's, Undaunted. If you have not read this book and you want to become more passionate about your God-given calling and are determined to do something now, then you need to read this book! It's life-changing, y'all. Additionally, I am currently indulging in The Jesus Hearted Woman written by Joanna Weaver. I can't keep my nose out of these pages that are filled with  teachings about graceful confidence, Jesus-like humility, authenticity, stamina, and self-value. Let me inform you that book is valuable! 

It makes me so filled with gratitude when I recognize these writings as gifts in my life and I am so thankful for the blessing of good reads. They shift your perspective, shape your persona, and solidify your  purpose. 

love, 

Whit

#2 {the blessing of coffee}

Good morning, world of bloggers!

Well. It's not really the morning, but I love the tone of excitement when saying good morning. I also love the promise of new mercies and fresh joy in the morning. And I love drinking coffee in the morning... and in the afternoon... ok, and maybe a little in the evening too. I like to say, "I can do all things through Christ and coffee which gives me strength." There's just something about that hot mug filled with dark, caramel-colored beverage that makes my day all the better; I am so thankful for my momma's never ending supply of coffee beans that are always ready to be blended and brewed.

This summer I've had a lot of coffee.

I come downstairs every morning to its sweet aroma and the sound of my parent's voices conversing. They drink a cup of coffee together every morning before the little Anderson awakes. On busy days when I am rushing out the door, I grab a travel mug and go on my way. But on the pleasant mornings when I have time to linger, I enjoy pairing my cup with my copy of Jesus Calling and the Bible. With every sip, I relish His goodness. I also love that when our weekly morning Bible study girls gather; we can make it through four pots of coffee, no problem.

Coffee enhances my afternoons when I get texts from my Momma that say,

These have to be my favorite kind of days. Or, when I meet with a sister and a friend, or two, at Starbucks and we talk for three hours about the our wonders about God, dreams, and... boys. My afternoons working at the Salon include drinking coffee too, while listening into seven different conversations between a client and their stylist all happening at once. I can't plan it any better.

Of course there is decaf coffee in the evening, it's a given at the Morrow home. Nearly every night, when it begins to wind down (that is, when the younger boys have been put to bed and the house is somewhat peaceful and a little more quiet... but never really quiet), my Mom calls out, "who's gonna make the coffee?" Usually Ben or McKenzie makes it... a full pot. We savor it until every last drop is gone along with the laughter and chatting that happens simultaneously. It's how I usually like to end my evenings.

I think I will always be a coffee-drinker. Hopefully when I am out of college and my teeth have completely turned yellow, I will drink it less. But hopefully not.

When I was at General Council last week, mission organizations provided complimentary coffee from foreign countries. One particular blend (my favorite) was from Eurasia. My mom actually bought beans to bring home. Today when I drank it, and remembered where it came from, I could hardly enjoy the taste. All I could think about were the people in Eurasia that needed hope, rescuing, and restoration. I thought of those who are waiting for me to do something and I was reminded of a vision that birthed a few months ago while I was in Bulgaria on a mission's trip.  It was there that I saw the crushed  casualties of brokenness because of physical and spiritual bondage and that's when God gave me an idea of how to help end it -  a vision to open a coffee shop. The proceeds would give back, fighting for freedom and deliverance for abused girls. Since then, I've become even more passionate about the issue of slavery in the 21st century. Since then, God has developed this vision in my heart by providing plans and people to carry it out. And since then, I have become more passionate about coffee.

I've realized that coffee is a pleasure when drinking in cold weather. It's at it's best when drank with  family and friends at home in the nest. But I'm thankful that this resource that can be used not only for enjoyment, but also for employment. It's not only good for the sweet and bitter taste but to be used for more, to help heal and restore the poor. Use me for Your will, oh Lord.

Love,
Whit

#1 {the blessing of friendship}

Last week I had the privilege of attending the Assemblies of God General Council. A gathering of more than a few thousand pastors around the country that come together every other summer. It was also the same time as National Fine Arts. I went with my family and a few students from Crosswalk (that was interesting). You gotta be called by God to travel with our family... because He's gotta give you a special kind of grace! Besides the crazy driving, non-stop bickering between my middle school brothers, and moving a hundred miles an hour every hour of the day, it was a blast. And it gave me a reason to be thankful for the blessing of friendship. Here is something I journaled while I was in the sunshine state.

I am laying in a king-sized, Embassy Suites bed beside one of my very best friends, Katelyn Grant. We have spent the last few hours talking about lessons we've learned from our pasts, a long for our present to be a time when we are completely devoted to God, and the excitement of our much-anticipated futures. Our hearts are raw and our friendship is so good.  Even if we didn't catch that boy's eye today and even if we sometimes fear what lies ahead...

"You know something? We are rich. We have [twenty] years to our credit, and we both have wonderful imaginations. We should be as happy as queens." - Anne of Green Gables

                                                                

Kate has been a close friend of mine for ten years now.  She is a gift from God because we have been able to share our experiences during our adolescent and young adult years and we have been constant encouragements to each other during the most trying of times. I am so blessed for the gift of our amazing friendship.

Love, 

Whit

Joy.

"BRING ME THE SACRIFICE of your time: a most precious cmmodity. In this action-addicted world, few of My children take time to sit quietly in My Presence. But for those who do, blessings flow like streams of living water. I, the One from whom all blessings flow, am also blessed by our time together. This is a deep mystery; do not try to fathom it. Instead, glorify Me by delighting in Me. Enjoy Me now and forever!

This was from today's, Jesus Calling, a daily devotional that is from the perspective of Jesus. If you don't have it, get it or download it because it will change your life. Today's word was perfect for my inconsistent self. I do not understand why, but consistency in devotions has always been a challenge for me. Perhaps it's the business and action-addicted lifestyle that prohibits me to stop, sacrifice time, and savor His presence daily. But today, I did. And, He's been teaching me so much about joy.  I love what Christine Caine wrote about joy, "happiness and joy are not the same thing. Happiness is based on circumstances, but joy is based on God. Happiness is based on positive emotions, but joy is something much more. It's a fruit of the Holy Spirit."

I don't know about you (well, I kinda do because you're a woman too), but the enemy tries to attack me by stealing away my joy. Instead of delighting in the Lord and allowing blessings flow out of my mouth like streams of living water, I am so easily put down, put out, and frustrated with myself and others. Well, after doing a Ann VosKamp's Bible Study, A Thousand Gifts, I've learned how to be joyful by giving thanks. Ann has challenged me to write list of all of my blessings, my gifts. She's challenged me to write a thousand of them. Because nothing gives us more joy than rejoicing and thanksgiving. Why not celebrate life? Why not celebrate the victory of Christ and His victories in you? 

In my next few posts, I am striving to practice this discipline of continuous thanksgiving. I want to look back at this summer and remember it as a time of giving thanks to God for all of His gifts, no matter how big or how seemingly insignificant they might be. No, I will not list a thousand on Whit's End... there would never be an end to that!

I challenge you to do this with me. Share your biggest blessings with me and allow me to taste the joy in your own life, because joy spreads like wild fire. 

Mr. and Mrs. Rothwell...

 

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of toasting my dear sister and her new husband at their far-beyond-fairytale wedding reception. This was no easy task because Destiny and Ben are both writers and poets themselves... how could I write something eloquent, expressive, sentimental enough for these two romantics? Well I gave it my best try and it actually went well! That is, I actually got through it without crying. Success.

Here's a copy of my speech for those of you who missed it! Enjoy!

While Destiny is great, we all know that she is even better with her new groom and I have the privilege of toasting this newly wedded couple.

Mr. and Mrs. Rothwell,

 Someone wise once said,

"When you love someone, all your saved-up wishes come out.”

 
Destiny, I’ve known you for quite some time, and I know that you’ve had a lot of saved up wishes, hopes, and dreams. From the time you were a little girl you have been dreaming of your fairytale prince charming. I’ll never forget the hopeful smiles across your face after your first date with Ben, it was as though he was everything she had ever wished and prayed for. No really, he even really really liked her adorable younger sisters, something I know she wished for! Oh, and Grandparents were all for it… another check off her wish list.

Destiny and Ben have always been writers, all throughout their relationship, Destiny would show us quotes that Ben wrote. They were so poetic that one of them was even used for the favor!

If you know English Major Destiny at all, you know that she may not always say it… but she’ll for sure write it. So when preparing this toast, I couldn’t help but rummage through some of her old writings about Benjamin Aaron Rothwell.

Beginning in 2009, after their first summer spent together, Destiny wrote,

“This summer I met him. Some would argue, but I truly never saw the beauty of his heart & mind and so - I insist that I never knew him. This summer Ben Rothwell happened to me. My boyfriend, my best friend, and the quiet and steady pulsing music of my life.”

 
Like any good writer, Destiny is imaginative, expressive, and romantic. So I was not surprised when she wrote,

"Our love will rival the fairytales.”
 
Well Destiny and Ben, your wish came true because your love does rival the fairytales. Not only because you will live in tree house-like-apartment for a few months and can pretend to be Tarzan and Jane. And not because Ben is tall, and dark, and… handsome, although I’ll admit that does help! And that you’re way prettier than anything Walt Disney could dream up, but because in this reality, you are making a marriage covenant with the King of Kings, giving your love story to Him. And those kinds are always the best.
 
Four years ago this month, Destiny and Ben began to fall in love, the good kind of love. The kind that will always last, not just because it is love, but because it is grounded in devotion to Christ and founded by a deep-rooted friendship. In 2010, Destiny wrote,

 "Beyond the affection and the adoration, Ben is my best friend...and we truly have fun together”
 
So Ben, I am excited for your adventurous adventures ahead. Ones that will and already does rival the ones we read about in the fairytales. And Destiny, as a sister and dearest friend, I am so unbelievably happy that your saved-wishes and prayers are happening. And I it’s true, because on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 you wrote to Ben,

“Thank you for heart.

That’s what I wished for from the very start.”

  Here’s to the Bride and Groom!
And Here’s to a love that rivals the fairytales!