H O M E .

Sometimes I feel like I'm a prisoner in my own [California] home. 

I wake up in the same room that I spend my entire day in.

Then I go to bed.  And the cycle repeats itself.

I can't wait to hear familiar sounds, music.

I can't wait to see familiar sights, family.

I can't wait to feel loved by the people I love most.

I can't wait to be [Washington] home.

Strength.

Strength is found in the midst of utter brokenness.
It's realizing that sometimes the strongest thing to do is just be still.
It's being quiet enough to listen--to the sobs of my own heart, to the wisdom of those around me, to the words of Scripture.

Strength is not the same as power.
Strength appears in the powerless and forgotten.
Power is a result of privlege, strength is cultivated out of necessity.

Strength is seeing the hard road ahead and still taking the first step.
Strength is being willing to fall down along the way.
Strength starts on my knees in prayer.

Sometimes true strength is admitting that I'm not strong enough on my own.
Sometimes strong is I all I can be.
And so I plead:
Lord, please clothe me with your strength.

"Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall,

but those who hope in the Lord

will renew their strength."

Psalm 40:30-31