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. 

#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. 

Turning Twenty + Getting Sick

I’ve been sick for the past four days. It’s one of those evil sicknesses that I’ve had to stay home, lay around, and exhaust myself from boredom and inactivity. Prior to these four days, I turned twenty! 20.20.20.20.20… I’m still getting used to it. One of the strange things about turning twenty is the realization that I am truly growing up. Sure, I got a taste of this when I turned 13, 16, and of course, 18. But now I’m really not a kid anymore, not even a teenager. Then I got to thinking, these are the years that I will move out for good, begin a career, get married, and hopefully start a family.  Between crossing into a new decade, and being home for four days straight, I’ve had a lot of time to think about some of the things that I never get to think about while I’m busy with my 18-credit-hours and three part-time jobs. I got to think about some of the things that I’ll miss once I’m all grown up…

I’ll miss Anderson’s little footsteps as he runs around each floor of the house. And I’ll miss the way that he talks with his dramatic facial expressions and adorable lisp.

I’ll miss Alexander’s tender hugs and him always showing me what he wrote, what he drew, and what he created out of Lego.

I’ll miss Ryland visiting the third floor precisely once a week to gather my trash. I’ll miss the way he instinctively cracks his knuckles whenever he’s telling a story and the way that he unconsciously giggles whenever someone else is telling it.

I’ll miss the embellished compliments that McKenzie never fails to give me. Even when I know for a fact that I am having a bad hair day, she always seems to think that it looks fantastic. I’ll miss hearing her guitar playing as I fall asleep. I’ll miss coming home to her sweet notes lying on my pillow. I’ll miss watching her grow into that wonderful woman that she is becoming.

I’ll miss Nicholas’ humor. I’ll miss coming home to him throwing the football outside and waiting to open my car door. I’ll miss sitting beside him at the kitchen table and watching him disperse all of his vegetables around his plate so that it “looks” like he ate some of them.

I’ll miss Landon’s hunger for conversation, always wanting to chat with his sisters. I’ll miss his delicious baking and always-creating new and improved recipes. I’ll miss how he challenges me to workout with him. I’ll miss how he carries me up three sets of stairs when I’m sick.

I’ll miss Brianna. I’ll miss the late night chats…even when we’re exhausted, then sleeping through our alarms the next morning. I’ll miss the deep questions that we ask. I’ll miss her help with my hair and my help her with her homework. I’ll miss the way we laugh hysterically. I’ll miss the way that we share everything. I think I may even miss sharing a car. I’ll miss making memories and I’ll miss dreaming together.

I’ll miss Destiny. I’ll miss all the wedding planning and talks about paint swatches for her new house. I’ll miss bursting to tell her a story and her telling me about the newest undiscovered music artist. I’ll miss hearing her heals click across the wood floor. I’ll miss her getting ready in my room and I’ll miss crunching up my toes just to fit into her adorable shoes.

  I’ll miss my Momma. I’ll miss just how she constantly, yes even at twenty, makes me a better woman – one more like Jesus. I’ll miss our chick-flicks and coffee. My Mom amazes me and I can’t even describe how much I will miss her.

I’ll miss my Dad. I’ll miss learning about leadership and discovering that my Dad is the absolute best one that I know. I’ll miss scratching his hair as he falls asleep. I’ll miss hearing the tenderness in his voice when he talks to my mom. I’ll miss spending my days learning at his church and spending my nights learning from his wisdom.

These are just short summaries of what I could literally talk about for hours. It’s crazy; when I was younger, I couldn’t wait to grow up, go away to college, and get on with my life. Now, I sometimes find myself wishing it would all slow down. I wish to freeze the simple moments at the Morrow’s because when I’m all grown and living on my own, I will miss them.

-Whit

Surprisingly Satisfied

It’s already February and I haven’t even said Happy New Year to my fellow bloggies! As time passes, I am realizing just how quickly it does and how it inevitably gets away from me before I can even realize it’s gone. So, it’s always good to step back from assignments, due dates, and demands and just write. Just because.

I am excited about this New Year - a new calendar, new classes, new resolutions, new beginnings. Every year, I spend reflecting on the past year and making an unrealistic, ambitious list of resolutions. Last year, some of those were…

I will take a trip (big or small) once every month.

I will know what University I will transfer into.

I will have a confirmed major or minor.

I will go to a state fair.

I will minimize social networking and maximize relationships.

I will volunteer more.

I will tithe more.

I will give more.

I will pray more.                                                        .

I will make an impact on a life.

I will witness a healing.

I will give a speech fearlessly.

I will participate in The Living Passover and love it.

I will feel happy on Valentines Day.

I will do the Daniel Diet.

I will maintain a good GPA.

I will discover art in some way, shape, or form.

I will visit Houston.

I will not be as frugal with money and give courageously.

I will read and write.

I will laugh. hard.

I will discover worship artists.

I will get braces.

This year, I didn’t make any resolutions. That’s right – not a single one. Partly because I was at the Passion Conference during the first few days of the new year and too busy to hear myself think, but also because I wanted to enter 2013 without expectation. I want to be content with whatever this year will bring to pass. I wasn’t able to get off that easy though – the Bible study that I am currently studying is called The Resolution for Women. I guess I will make some resolutions after all.  But unlike the past years, this year I am focusing less on the things I do or the places I go and more on the person that I become.

I immediately connected with Priscilla Shirer in The Resolution for Women when she wrote,

“Instead of relishing each moment, each year, each opportunity, each step on the journey, I’m constantly overeager to get to the next thing, which always looks more enticing than what’s currently before me. I’m rarely satisfied in full with my present station” (Shirer, 13).

Wow – she was writing directly to me! The conviction hit me straight between my eyes when she said that this feeling had a name: discontentment. I am convinced that every woman struggles with discontentment, especially those who have every reason to be content! Satan targets those of us because he loves to steal away our joy so that we will be less effective for the Kingdom of God. But being content is not something that one is or anything that comes naturally. No, contentment is a discipline. In Philippians, Paul tells us,

I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content – whether well fed or hungry in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13)

So there you have it. Despite yours and my present circumstances – we are able to be content because He gives us the strength to do so.  

Interestingly, the spiritual significance of the number 13 means promise and blessing. Even when we feel “left without,” insecure, or discontent, God’s promises are endless and they will come to pass. I have every reason to rejoice. That is why I say that I refuse to be discontent with whatever this year brings my way, and whatever this year doesn’t bring at all. I do not want to be waiting for “the next big thing.” I wish to be ever so content with each and every promise and blessing the Lord fulfills in my life this year. I resolve that throughout this year, I will be surprisingly satisfied. 

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A Few Steps Back...

Yesterday, I was rummaging around in my top drawer for a match to one of my mismatched socks and came across a half eaten, wrapped up, traditional, Romanian chocolate bar.  The Bible Students, who were so welcoming and openhearted, gave Brianna and I these bars when we arrived. Funny as it seems, this chocolate bar meant a lot to me. When I found it, my mouth watered as I excitedly unwrapped the wrapper. But, the chocolate did not look like the rich, creamy brown shade it once was. Now, this old candy was a faded and discolored, hardly edible. 

Finding that chocolate yesterday reminded me of my life-changing, soul-searching, heart moving, experience in Romania and Ukraine in May 2011 that I vowed to never forget. Though, looking at the chocolate caused me to realize that it was much like my memories of that missions trip - faded and discolored.

Just like I had forgotten about this special (and tasty, I might add) gift sitting in my sock drawer, I was also unknowingly forgetting about the incredible people I met, places I saw, things I touched, moments I felt, words I heard, and prayers I prayed in these eastern European countries. All of a sudden, the mismatched sock didn’t matter. My cold feet didn’t matter. The chocolate bar didn’t matter. I just wanted to remember the things that did matter.

So, as I held the candy to my nose and smelled the rich hazelnut chocolate that smelled so fresh, I was brought back to last spring, and it all became real again.

I wanted to document just a few things that I learned, and remembered, while in Romania and Ukraine just in case I don’t find another ethnic chocolate bar to remind me… 

It was a time of clarity. God made something, a few things, very clear about my future. One of them was about my future husband and I knew that the guy I liked at the time wasn’t him.

   

      It was a time of closeness. Brianna and I have always been very close sisters. But, on this adventure, we reached a new level of closeness. On this trip, we discovered that our personalities are opposite. But on the inside, we share the same heart. Being in an unfamiliar country, with unfamiliar people, who spoke unfamiliar languages, made us not only closer sisters, but also best, best friends.  As Anne would say it, she was my kindred spirit.

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 It was a time of inspiration. Brianna and I got to put our comradery to use and contruct our first “real” sermon together. We, of course, spoke on dating. Surprised? And, as a honorarium, we got flowers and more chocolate from these chaps!

  It was truly father-daughter time. I have never had such quality time with my Dad. In Romania, I got to see my father’s heart – pure and raw. I wish this on every daughter. Listening to him speak about leadership everyday for an uninterrupted five hours, I realized that my Dad is the greatest leader. He’s also, my hero.  He challenged me, taught me, led me, and loved me and I am so thankful for this man of God in my life.

 

  

It was a time of friendship. The three of us met some of the best people who were so simple, yet so complex with their walks with God. These people studied day by day in hopes to witness to those in Muslim countries and corners of the earth. We gave our friends the name, world-changers. Because, they will do just that.

 It was a time to love. In Ukraine, we visited an orphanage. Loving these children was something I didn’t know my heart could feel, but it just did. Unlike some of the other memories, this was an experience that could never escape my memory. I hid these precious faces in my heart and their smiles in my mind.

It was a time of complete sacrifice, fulfillment, expense, gain, laughter, and weeping. God gave me passion for people and a purpose for reaching those people. He allowed me to see into my God-appointed future and I became so overjoyed and pleased. Because I knew that whatever I do in this life, it will be for the sole purpose of furthering His kingdom. And that, my fellow bloggies, is the most fulfilling thing in the world. 

Love,

Whit