a day in LA

in the brief 47 hours that were my "break" this past week, i am grateful to say that the windows were up in my apartment the entire time. the windows were also down in my car... the combination of the two left my heart feeling as open as those windows. i found myself paying attention to what the birds were singing, and the promises paired with such songs... how the Lord cares for each sparrow as it falls, how He sets us free to soar like eagles, how He fills our hearts with melody and teaches them to sing.

in addition to the gorgeous weather, i was able to hang out with some gorgeous people while i was back home - some of my favorites on this earth. it did my heart good to hear their voices, feel their hugs, and be challenged by their conversation. refreshment was taken and hopefully given, and although the break was short, i feel rejuvenated.

then tonight, the WJ tour was in Baton Rouge, LA... and so far, this day may be my favorite since tour began. i had TIME! time to sit out by the river walk and read, time to walk around downtown and find a coffee shop... these times are precious. as i was walking around downtown exploring, i was praying and thinking about joy. how in the middle of a day, the middle of a life, you can suddenly wake up and find Joy surrounding... and it is such a safe feeling. as i was turning the corner from 3rd street onto Lafayette, there was a gust of cold wind that felt so incredible that i just paused and closed my eyes. it was one of those strangely (for me) uninhibited moments, where you recognize yourself in the presence of God and have nothing to do but stop... to pause, and worship. whether it is worship in the form of prayer, or in this particular instance, worship in the form of a breathe.

this is joy: to breathe, and know He is there with you.

i know nothing sweeter... i knew nothing sweeter on this day.

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"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

Good night,

Lauren