The last two weeks have been unbelievable.

I haven't been as faithful as usual to update mostly because these last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind!

My trip up north was just incredible! I can't even tell you how wonderful it was seeing everyone, relaxing and just having a ton of fun with my family and friends. It was truly a blessing and I am so glad I had the opportunity to go. Coming back to reality was bittersweet. I certainly could have stayed longer had I been permitted. I was given the amazing opportunity to photograph my beautiful cousin and her fiance's engagement pictures. I had so much fun doing it and will be sure to post some of them soon for your viewing.

Last weekend was crazy as it was the BRSM (Brownsville Revival School of Ministry) reunion. I did not expect it to be as amazing as it was. I was completely overwhelmed by the sea of people who showed up for it and my heart lept with joy to see such sweet faces that I have missed so much. God was present as we worshipped him together, remembered all the things He had done in the past and looked forward to what He is going to do in the future. It was a bit surreal to be back in that building as it had been nearly 10 years since I had. My dad was one of the keynote speakers and did an outstanding job (so I hear). I was unable to attend his session due to work. =/ So proud of him.

We had a big memorial day cookout on Monday and I would say between 65-70 people came out to our house. It felt just like old times and I savored every single second. It was so difficult saying goodbye to everyone. I know that dwelling on the past can be unhealthy but I would give anything to be able to go back to those days. They were some of the happiest times of my life and I think I took it for granted. However, I am really trying to learn and take advantage of where God has me right here and now. I don't want to remember these present days as being taken for granted.

Needless to say, it was a week filled with refreshing and renewal for me. God sweetly reminded me of His enduring faithfulness and love. I was enveloped by His presence very heavily particularly on Sunday morning and night. I hadn't felt Him that close in quite some time and it was such a relief to weep before Him and feel held. He is so good. I don't know why I've ever doubted Him.

My heart was deeply saddened the last night of the conference as I glanced around at all of the familiar faces after 5 short days and said goodbye again. I'm hoping that this becomes an annual event. I would say nearly 800 people came in town for it including families, alumni students, overseas missionaries, previous teachers and professors, the old worship leaders, musicians and teams. It really was quite surreal. I am so thankful that I was able to be apart of what God did in the years before through the Brownsville Revival. It was there that I dedicated my life to Lord and was radically changed forever as I was arrested by His presence and swept into His love and mercy. Though hurtful things happened to me and so many others during those years as man interrupted God and people began to put them on pedastals, I believe with every fiber of my being that what God began there was pure and holy. I am thankful for everything I learned, whether it be the good times or the really hard times. I formed some of the most amazing relationships out of that place and I wouldn't trade it for anything!

I am thankful that God restores and aligns our hearts with His when we need it. I pray that I never become too prideful to say "I messed up and I need you.". I believe that pride in ministry is one, if not the biggest downfall and cause of division and disunity in the church. This causes unreal hurt. Trust me, I've been there. We must set our eyes and affections on Jesus because He really is the only one who will never fail us or disappoint us.

I am so thankful for this last weekend, for the reminders of the many lessons I learned, remembering everything that God did inside of me during those formative years and for the ability of embracing my dear friends again.