We spin and toil wondering how to figure this life out, how to balance it all, how to make the most of our lives, how to live it fully and how to be the brightest shining star. At least, this is where I find my mind wondering regularly. Not proudly.

And true to form, Blake Mycoskie says it so simply yet so right.

Spend Less, Give More.

That’s all. 

The Lord wrote it, demonstrated it and we’re called to live it. You are a steward of your life, a manager of what you have been given and scripture says that “to whom much has been given, much is expected.” 

My mind instantly barks “but what about those to whom much haven’t been given?” Scripture doesn’t address them. Why? 

Because we all have been given the Kingdom. And if this is true, is there anything we lack? Much has been given to all of us. The currency of Heaven is not the currency of Earth.

Spend Less, Give More. I’m navigating this along with you; let’s figure it out together? I do not believe the Lord is asking me to give up leopard and sequins, but I do believe He is asking me spend wisely, pull back and invest my resources (time, money and wisdom) into the Kingdom. 

What are your thoughts? 

from sabo skirt

And while we’re at it, this is a good thing:

The patterned sweater over a denim button-down complimented with a Barbour and the haphazard hat paired back with the tailored khaki (I’m here to tell you, I haven’t seen a pair of khakis fit that trimly and well in ages) and loafer? I can appreciate this.

adore.

In a sweet and glorious twist of life events, this past week opened up for me to have the unbelievable opportunity to serve at Passion 2012. 

Worshiping with 45,000 people is other worldy. It’s a sliver of heaven as the Holy Spirit pours out over a stadium of hearts and in return, voices are raised in adoration, praise and need. 

Were you able to attend with us? I would love nothing more than to hear how He moved your heart. How did He show up? How did He move? What chains did He break and where did He speak healing into? Shoot me an email, I’d love to hear your story! maryckinney [at] gmail

He’s shown me that ya’ll (you sweet, sweet girls reading. and myself) come under such attack from the Enemy to not follow that burn in your heart, that thing that makes your heart beat fast.

“Certainly,” the deceiver says, “those are all mighty fine things, wonderful causes, noble missions - but you, dear, want kids and a husband and that life of bravery and ‘ends of the earth’ certainly does not match up with the one you dreamed of. So just settle on back down, don’t get so riled up about this cause. Follow along now, take that well-paved road and you’ll be just fine.”

Hear me say, HEAR ME SAY, that is a lie. I’m typing in capslock which means I’m a bit pumped up about this. Your.life.matters.to.the.Lord. You are a mighty tool in His hands. If He crafted the stars of the universe, made a king out of a shepherd David and filled Sarah’s 90 year barren womb, won’t He also come through for you? Isn’t He also for you? He scripted those pages of your desires and is fully capable of filling them and leading you in a life of pursuing His purposes. 

YOU matter to the Lord. The course of your life is meant to be a blazing torch and a shining a light - you, pretty thing, are a city on a hill. You’re it!! 

The Enemy is terrified of what the Lord may accomplish in demolishing the darkness he creates and breathing Life, Light and Truth to those places through you. 

You matter. And I’m the first to say that I’m discovering how that plays out into day-to-day life, how our significance in the kingdom tangibly looks, but where you are, in the moment you are, in the place you are, in the room you are, in the place you feel stuck, in the season of confusion or uncertainty, in the season of routine, in the season of newness, in a time of adventure - His purpose for you in His story still remains.

Your life matters.

So, come to the fountain with boldness. I’ll meet you there!

title: white flag - passion 2012

1) Water. I drink a heck of a lot of water. Save the occasional Coke, sweet tea and frequent coffee, I generally just drink water. I cut all artificial sweeteners (Splenda and Diet Coke) out nearly a year ago and it has done wonders for my skin and energy level.

And upon my pinterest search, you can also distress furniture, preserve pumpkins and create a glowy effect on images using this stuff. Don’t say I didn’t love ya :)

 

4) Blush & bronzer. Basics.

 

5) Good foods.  My skin is not anywhere close to perfect. However, I have noticed that processed foods and simple carbs cause my skin to become bland, oily and lifeless. Vegetables and fruit result in cheerful, clear skin. 

 

 

6) Sunshine. It’s the greatest formula there is.

That’s about it. Thanks for asking!

Gallery walls. In my Nashville house, we’re growing one above our couch. I’ve convinced all 4 of my roommates to return from Christmas with their favorite awkward middle school picture to add to the collection. Too good. Can’t wait.

Hunter Dixon blogged this recently and I love it (and love her.) Dedicating 2012 to discovering this dream.

Geode in a fireplace. YES.

Dreaming of a secret supper club in Nashville. hmmm.

Classic City. Athens, GA. Best place on the planet.

Just dying for an embossed stamp. Clearly a necessity. 

The I’m-ready-for-anything outfit.

As I pack to go home to Albany for Christmas for the first time as a working adult, my heart is just in a season of wrestling, brokenness, peace and trust. This week I prayed for peace - begged for peace - over a situation. And never got it. In frustration and nausea, I cried and asked for it again. and again. and again.

He looked me dead in the eyes and said “Sweet one, Peace does not come from circumstances, decisions, choices. Peace comes from Me. And being rooted in Me. And knowing that no matter whether you step left or right, I’m HERE. I am the Prince of Peace. It is my gift to give. Not a gift of circumstance.”

If your 2011 has been a whirlwind, a year of transition and change like mine, or if your 2011 has been a year of sorrow and heartbreak like many, or if your 2011 has been a year of richness and reaping a sweet harvest - I pray that this Christmas season, that we settle into the Peacemaker. The one who holds the orphans of the world and the CEOs of the world. The one who intricately wove that beating heart of yours and also was an infant, born to teenagers, in a barn, under a starry sky - He’s got it. 

Just these two words He spoke