He loves me in the middle of a tattoo shop.

Hello friends! Wow, it's been way too long. I miss freshman year, when I had so much more time to write a blog. (: Sophomore year has been busy, but it has also been extremely formative. I am amazed at the brilliance of God surrounding me.

So, to start off, Friday night I ended up getting a tattoo! I've had the design in mind for over a year, but it has always been just a "someday" idea. Here's a pic:

 

 

"Trust without borders." It is a reminder, a declaration, and a promise. It comes from Hillsong United's "Oceans," a song that was deeply influential in my journey to Baylor. My mom and I usually cry when we hear it. (:

 

I certainly didn't intend to spend my Friday night getting a tattoo. In fact, recently, I had discarded this idea altogether- and I had discarded the song and the meaning behind it, and worst of all, God's plan and work in me. Sophomore year has brought new challenges. As much as I thought that it would be incredibly easy, since I survived freshman year, all new obstacles have shown themselves, spitting in my face and laughing at my weakness. Instead of holding tight to God while we faced them together, I hid away from them and from God. I stopped seeking the great adventure that I had longed for. I wanted to run towards it, but it felt so impossible. I felt so ashamed, like a failure, and convinced myself that I had ruined my chances at chasing my dreams and bringing them to reality.

 

Fear is a nasty monster. Comparison is the thief of joy. Loneliness is a deep pit. These are the three things that took the place of God in my heart. They pushed and shoved until they consumed me. I was doing the one thing I promised myself I wouldn't do- I was being weak. I was losing. I had spent all summer summoning courage and bravery, vowing to face each day at Baylor with a "can-do" attitude. I even bought a journal that had me write down one brave thing I did each day. That journal still only has two entries. It didn't take long at all for me to lose my own battle- I was so determined to be the absolute best version of myself that I had ever been. I couldn't handle the pressure, and I cracked.

 

I wanted to have the answers. I wanted to be on top of everything. I wanted to make fabulous grades, have a good job with a big paycheck, and be active in all of my extracurriculars. I wanted my relationship with Jesus to be rock-solid, unwavering, and absolutely beautiful. I refused to accept anything else. So when I came up short, I threw it all away. What was I thinking? I had never been anything like this. There was no way I could change it all now and be some amazing person who had her life together. People always make jokes about me being a "hot mess," and they aren't wrong. I am a mess. That's all I've ever been.

 

The past two weeks have been the hardest. I completely stopped listening to anything God might be saying to me, or showing me. I couldn't bring myself to face Him. I would only make empty promises that would unravel before I could finish making them. There was so much shame and guilt surrounding me. Then I began to worry about facing my family; what would they say? You could see the failure all over my face, like there was a sign taped there: "this idiot never gets it right."

 

The sign became a list: "Her grades are laughable, she has no real friends, and her paycheck doesn't even last three days. She hasn't slept in three days. She failed a neuroscience test. Her friends think she's crazy. She can only work 12 hours a week. She hasn't showered in two days."

 

The list shouted its contents in my face everywhere I went. When I spoke, it shouted over me. When I was silent, it whispered in my ear, feeding itself into my heart. By Wednesday of last week, I was so far off from God that even listening to the worship music that usually renews my soul could only make me feel disappointed.

 

Then, Friday night, I was sitting in a tattoo shop with a friend. I was there only for moral support. When we walked into the shop, though, I felt different. It felt familiar, for some unknown reason. As we signed her in and waited for her turn, I could only concentrate on how odd this feeling was. I opened the folder on my phone where the tattoo design was saved, and looked at it. I had gone to a few shops at home to have it priced, and they had all said at least $100. I had about $50 to spend that night. After my friends said I should get the tattoo, I walked up to the front and asked them to price it. I still had no intention of actually going through with it. There was no way I could afford it, and even then, I wasn't even sure I believed in its significance anymore. Then I heard the man behind the counter say "$45." I thanked him and walked away. I ended up going into the bathroom, almost panicking at the thought of this tattoo. Why was I even considering this???

 

 It felt crazy. But at the same time, it felt right. I felt peaceful. It was like I was doing this no matter how I really felt about it. Why? What the hell had gotten into me? I couldn't just put permanent ink on my skin if the message had turned from a song in my heart to a reminder of my failure. But I left the bathroom, walked back up to the desk, signed my papers, paid my $45, and sat back down to wait my turn. Then I walked back to the room, told the artist where I wanted it, and sat in the chair. I got the tattoo. It hardly hurt, but I freaked out nonetheless. This was insane. There was no going back. But later on, when I was lying in bed, staring at a picture of the words now permanently a part of me, the presence of God was overwhelming. I was consumed not with fear, or regret, but with peace and love. It was a beautiful reassurance that this is what it took for God to get my attention. And that may sound crazy- a tattoo as a form of redemption? But I strongly believe that it is.

 

This redemption has reminded me of the truth- that I fail because I attempt on my own. That I do not have to bring anything to the table except trust. God works it all out for me, I only have to be still and listen. My dad and I were talking a few nights ago, and he told me "I truly believe that you are right where you're supposed to be right now. Not just your physical location, but spiritually, and emotionally, too. You have a lot more questions than answers, and the questions are questions of maturity. I know that the answers are their way. Keep allowing yourself to be open, open to new and different things. Big things, big challenges, and big adventures. This is the time to listen without anticipating what He's saying. Without 'interrupting' what He's telling you. Make Him speak loud and clear. Listen quietly and carefully, and yet aggressively. Don't sell yourself short, that's really only selling Him short. Be careful not to think or say 'I can't' but instead, 'I will.'" WOW. What incredible wisdom. He's the best.

 

Ultimately, I know that the dreams and desires of my heart were placed there by God when I was created. I know that each and every day of my life has been formative in some way to further the plan and the calling that has been placed on my life. It is so easy to get caught up in trying to do it all by myself- thinking that I know more than God, that I can do it on my own... Sometimes even that I can do it better my way. But all of those attempts fall to the ground, and I am always left cleaning up the mess. Thankfully, God never steps away from me... never even moves an inch. In all of my wandering, all of my refusal to open my heart and come sit at the table, He is there. When I convince myself that I am not worthy of a seat at the table- that I am unworthy of love, grace, and acceptance, God is already working around me, preparing me for whatever comes next.

 

It reminds me of Jesus asking Peter to step out of the boat. Peter is terrified, and tells Jesus he cannot do it. The whole point Jesus is making is, "I know you can't. But I can. And if I say that you can, it will be done." We can't do it alone. We have to get out of the boat with the mindset of letting Jesus take care of things, or we will drown.

 

How beautiful it is to have a Savior who tears down my walls and leads me to beautiful places. My hope, my peace, my strength, my trust is in Him, and it is a love without end, a journey that knows no borders. He loves so perfectly. His love stretches beyond my wildest dreams. He is steadfast and unwavering. He is all-powerful, and He loves me at my darkest. I would so much rather spend my life struggling and trusting in God than struggling all by myself. I will never be perfect. There will be times like this for the rest of my life, when I try to do things on my own, and lose sight of the truth. But The Truth never loses sight of me. Hallelujah. I am so in awe of the extravagant love that died for me, that lives for me, and that carries me through every day of my life. What a good, good father.

 

 

"You called me out upon the waters. The great unknown, where feet may fail. And there I find you in the mystery... In oceans deep, my faith may fail. But I will call upon your name, and keep my eyes above the waves. When oceans rise, my soul will rest in your embrace; for I am yours, and you are mine. Your grace abounds in deepest waters. Your sovereign hand will be my guide. Though feet may fail and fear surrounds me, you've never changed, and you won't start now. Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters wherever you would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander, and my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Savior." -Oceans, Hillsong United

 

 

 

 

-Thanks for reading! You can continue to follow my journey here. Prayers are always appreciated. Feel free to send me a prayer or some encouragement, too! Kelsey_Phipps@baylor.edu

 

"You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Christ Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes." -Philippians 4:19-20

 

 



Precious Sons...

My precious son [your name here],

I know that you are struggling, and this is why you feel that I am not with you. You look around at your situation, and you let everything around you overwhelm you, so that you cannot see Me. The truth, though, is that I am still here. I am as close as ever, sitting next to you in class and at work, riding in your car, enjoying good times with your friends, and pursuing daily goals. Even if those things disappear, I am here, precious son, I am always here. There’s a song by Audio Adrenaline that talks about my devotion to you: “I’d leave 99, leave them all behind, to find you… for you alone,” so take heart, because nothing can separate us.

I know that sometimes your fears far outweigh your peace. You fear failure, rejection, and a long list of other possibilities. Son, I know that you have experienced pain. I know that some of your fears have become reality at different points. But this does not define you; it is not who you are. You are worthy of love. You are kind, gentle, joyful, intuitive, and brave. You sometimes think that smiling and laughing easily is a fault, that it makes you look silly or odd, but it’s how I made you. Your joy spreads to others; never be afraid to be joyful and to express your feelings. You have overcome many challenges, and you seek a deeper meaning than surface level in whatever you commit to. Those things bring wisdom.

Son, never be afraid to be fully yourself and fully human. There is nothing wrong with that. Stop thinking that everyone will hate you for being you. Do not turn off part of yourself because it is not "manly." I created you, and My creation is beautiful, and it deserves to be treated as such. Treat yourself with the kindness and respect that you offer to others. Do not hide away for fear of judgment. I did not create you simply for physical appearance- My plans are much more extravagant than that. I have brought you to where you are, and I would not bring you somewhere that would harm you. Trust Me, dearest son. I’m so sorry this world has lied to you and left you feeling this way. I’m so sorry you feel vulnerable, unworthy, and forgotten. I need you now, though, to rise from that. I need you to be strong like I know you can be. I need you to speak up for yourself instead of shying away. Make your voice heard, because I have called you to a great plan, and I have made you a leader. I have made you for great things… Things you can’t even imagine. Do not forget that I finish what I start.

Overall, remember that I am with you always, to the end of the age. I love you extravagantly, abundantly, and wholly. I see you, I know you, and I delight in you. You make me proud, joyful, and eager for what is to come. I am so amazed by the way you persevere and the way you love others. In your darkest moments—through every moment--I have been right beside you, holding you. We have sat silently on your bed while you unsuccessfully willed tears away, and we have boasted laughter and excitement when you succeed. I have felt your heart break, and it breaks Mine, too. I am working it back together again, but it just takes time, because you have so much to learn about Me and My love for you. I need you to trust Me enough to let go. I promise I will not leave you. I cannot promise you that bad things will never happen again, but I do promise you that I am right there through it all, that you are always held, always seen, and always loved.

I cherish you, son, I call you “friend.” I delight in you. Dearest son, hold on- fear not. My love will never leave you. You could never do anything that would change the absolute joy I find in you. I know that you will make mistakes, sometimes bigger than what you can fix, and I know you have regrets. Lay them on me, all of your burdens, and let me take them. Let me make you new again. My grace is abounding, never running out, and I want to give it to you.

 

Find your success and worth in me, not in the world. It will never matter if you meet their expectations or not. Look to Me, seek My face, and stay focused on what I have for you. You can never disappoint Me, because I have seen your entire life before time began… And still I love you- extravagantly, abundantly, wholly. I am all things: mother and father, sister and brother, friend, counselor, king… My list goes on to cover the entire universe. I am everything you need.

Love, Abba

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Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope it has spoken to your heart, and that you feel the overwhelming love of Jesus all around you. Please save a copy of this letter, with your name inserted wherever you'd like, and keep it to read when you need to. Let these words speak truth over your life and your heart. You are wonderful. I would love to know how this letter has impacted you. You can leave a comment or contact me via Facebook or email.

I want to leave you with this playlist that I think goes nicely with this letter.

1. Leaving 99- Audio Adrenaline
2. You're not Alone- Meredith Andrews
3. You are For Me- Kari Jobe
4. Hold Me Jesus- Rich Mullins
5. How He Loves- David Crowder
6. Come As You Are- Crowder
7. Let It Be Jesus- Chris Tomlin
8. Jesus Loves Me- Christ Tomlin
9. Holy Spirit- Francesca Battistelli
10. Shoulders- For King & Country
11. Strong Enough- Stacie Orrico

-Thanks for reading! You can continue to follow my journey here. Prayers are always appreciated. Feel free to send me a prayer or some encouragement, too! Kelsey_Phipps@baylor.edu

 

 

"You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Christ Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes." -Philippians 4:19-20

"I don't have time to maintain these regrets..."

Hello again! I've been working on several different posts recently, but I think this will be the one to make the cut. (:

FIRST- I'm going to shamelessly plug my sweet, caring, adorable baby brother's new blog.... Okay, so he's 17 and not so much a baby, but he'll always be six years old to me. It's just the way it is. He's certainly not going to be a senior in high school this year.

If you want to read some seriously fantastic stuff about human imperfection, God's love, being adventurous, and laugh along the way, check out his blog! (don't ask me why it has the name it does)

http://www.jonahsblogispoopoo.blogspot.com

Thanks!

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I can't believe it is already April. Looking back on my freshman year of college, it has absolutely flown by. I feel like October just happened, but here we are, just a few weeks away from May and the end of the school year. As finals approach and I have begun to attempt to make sense of how I will pack everything in my dorm into boxes to move out, there are a lot of thoughts and feelings I'm working through about my expectations for freshman year versus the reality I experienced.

I have so much more to learn in my time here. This year, simply adapting to the environment was a huge task. Professors ask entirely different things from students; I haven't had many classes match up in terms of how the professor conducted class and assigned tasks.

In all honesty, I have not been the shining star I expected myself to be this year. Nothing can really prepare you for the way college works. Sure, you can be prepared for the work load, and maybe even some of the material itself. It is quite impossible, however, to prepare for the independence beforehand. The key to surviving independence in college is to stay on top of it. Doing things you don't like is not fun, and in college, no one is there to make you do those things. Wasting time is effortless; being productive takes discipline and practice. You will not be perfect at it. You will fail multiple times, especially at first, but you have to remember to stay on top of it. When you fall off, get back on.

I wish I could go back in time and tell myself these things. I have an annoying tendency to mix my independent nature with my perfectionist personality. Those are very dangerous for me when mixed; I found myself wanting to succeed in college all on my own, and eventually, almost completely giving up when I realized I couldn't do that. Last semester, I worked extremely hard to battle and overcome depression, anxiety, fear, and homesickness. Basically, I was a hot mess, and it took a lot of time and reminders that God is better at control than I am (shocker...) to find peace and assurance that I was going to be okay in college. Coming back for second semester, God did this great thing where I rushed this one sorority and they, like, asked me to be a member. It was pretty cool, and y'know, I love them a lot and stuff. (: I found a home in KXA and some amazing, wonderful friends who care for me and make life way more fun.

Although this semester has been great as far as finding my place with friends, academics are another story. I got stuck with a lot of classes I was less-than-enthused about, and instead of making a decision to work through it and make the best of things, I closed myself off and convinced myself I could do the bear minimum and still make it through the semester. After all, what I thought really mattered was that I had people to hang out with, and I was having fun. Eventually, the minimum turned into struggling to keep up, and worrying about being able to complete the class at all, and somehow, I ended up sitting in the parking lot of a mall tonight, crying hysterically, terrified to pick up the phone and call my dad to tell him that I might be a complete failure.

I felt so broken, so stupid, and so beyond reach. In that moment, I questioned whether I had permanently screwed up God's plan for me. I felt miserable; "I'm so sorry," I kept saying, over and over again. "I'm so sorry, so sorry... How could I have done this? This is not who I am..." and when I thought about the dreams my parents have for me, about all the times they tell me how proud they are, "I'm so sorry, so sorry, so sorry... How could I do this to you? You'll be so disappointed..." I finally gathered enough courage to text my dad and ask him to call me. Unfortunately, he was busy at the moment, and so another 30 minutes passed while I drove around Waco, my courage fading quickly. When my phone finally rang, I considered not even answering it. What was the point? I had done something so wrong, there was nothing my dad could do for me. It would only disappoint him to hear me admit that I had made a terrible decision and was now struggling in my classes. Talking to my dad, he (of course) did have help for me. There was no judgment in his voice, only love and wisdom. I don't have words for how lucky I am to have that kind of love in my life. I know for sure I don't deserve it.

In my moments of unbelief, of doubting the strength and love of my Jesus, I was still not alone. I was not forgotten, not abandoned, not beyond reach. I had not wandered out of sight or strayed so far that I was on my own. My struggles were not unseen, either, not overlooked. No matter how trivial they are in the grand scheme, they were counted, spoken for, and I am not held by them. They do not define me. Writing this now, a Gungor song is playing on Pandora, singing "You still have me. You have my heart completely. You have me, you have me..." That is so relevant- even though I felt like I was beyond reach of Jesus, He still has my heart. He still loves me beyond compare, beyond description and imagination... Beyond this world. He hold the entirety of my heart and soul, and He is moving within me.

Another one of my favorite songs right now is "I Am Not Alone" by Kari Jobe. "You will go before me, You will never leave me... In the midst of deep sorrow, I see Your light is breaking through. The dark of night will not overtake me, I am pressing into You. Lord you fight my every battle, and I will not fear. You amaze me, redeem me, You call me as your own. You have always been faithful. You bring healing to my soul." I love hearing this truth spoken over me. There is nothing I can do to separate myself from this love.

The clearest moment of Jesus reassuring me, though, came before I even felt broken. Last Wednesday, David Crowder came to Baylor to perform. I have loved Crowder for as long as I can remember; it was so awesome to be able to see him live! Although I found myself distracted frequently throughout his set by my schedule for the day, there was a moment during his song "How He Loves" that I distinctly felt God's presence urging me into worship. The lyrics said "We are His portion, and He is our prize... Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes. I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way [He loves us]..."

I am so glad I held on to those words for tonight. I don't have time to dwell on the mistakes I've made when I know that they have been forgiven and I do not proceed without hope. There is nothing more powerful than my Jesus, so why should I not believe that His good and perfect plan is still at work in my life? I did not do my best this semester, I did not make the right choice in my classes, but my life is not over. This is only the beginning. I have not ruined myself and all of my chances. He gives more grace than I could ever count.

So, maybe there is a part of your life right now where you are feeling broken, worn down, or beyond reach. It feels like there is no way you could bounce back... Do not believe that. Trust that God knows you are imperfect, you are flawed, and you are going to struggle at times. Trust that God's plan includes those times. There's no surprising God; you were known before you were conceived. Simply accept the grace that is offered to you and let healing begin to restore your brokenness. You are created for so much more than you know.

As most of you know, I volunteer with a Waco-based organization called Jesus Said Love. It has transformed my life and awakened a calling from God within me. Brett and Emily Mills, the founders and Co-CEOs of Jesus Said Love, visited Baylor's chapel recently, and Brett said "God has such a big plan for your life... So big it would blow your mind to hear all of it now... So be patient and receive the pieces God gives you along the way." I have a deep love and respect for Brett and Emily, and hearing such a big role model in my life speak that truth over me was incredible. So now, I pass it on to you. You are not alone, He still has your heart, you don't have time to focus only on regret... God has a huge plan for you.

"No longer am I held by the yoke of this world; come abound in the yoke of Jesus... His yoke is easy, and His burden is so light."



-Thanks for reading! You can continue to follow my journey here. Prayers are always appreciated. Feel free to send me a prayer or some encouragement, too! Kelsey_Phipps@baylor.edu

 

"You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Christ Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes." -Philippians 4:19-20

I've been lovin' you since day one.

I have a guilty pleasure in reading "letters to my future husband" posts. Though absolutely cheesy, and definitely personal, they are filled with love and joy, and I rather enjoy them. So, in all of it's cheesy, cliché, sappy glory- here is mine.

It's a weird feeling to write to someone that you do not yet know, while understanding that when you do know them, you will know all of them- their past, their present, and their desires for the future. You will know what they look like at 2am, what they're most afraid of, how they make their coffee... You will learn their routine to the point of being a vital part of it, and you will understand what it feels like to sit in someone's presence and feel incredible love without speaking or touching. That is powerful. That is incredible.

While we do not know the people who will be in our lives until they are already there, when it comes to a spouse, I think everyone has a few things they are sure of. You know the kind of person your heart desires- their values, beliefs, goals, and interests. For me, my desire is to marry my best friend: someone who can love my soul more than anything. Someone who knows that I often wake up at 5am to worry about silly things, who understands why I need time to sit by myself and process my day, someone who knows that I am perpetually late... and doesn't judge me for it. Someone who can laugh with me when we realize, in the middle of a fight, how stupid we sound. Someone who can tolerate my love for the Dixie Chicks, sushi, and 80's/90's chick flicks. Someone who loves waking up on Saturday and planning a road trip in 15 minutes as much as I do.

With all of that being said- I hope that in writing this, I write to that person.

Dear husband,
We're already a solid three paragraphs into this, and (I hope) you've probably already laughed at me at least once. Even though you are undoubtedly brilliant, there are a few things that I want you to know, or to remind you of, in case you've forgotten.

1. I freakin' love you. I hope that's obvious, but I'm still going to say it over and over. Your life is a gift to me. You bring me so much joy and passion. Life with you is a constant reminder of God's grace and love for humanity. You make everything an adventure, and I'm so excited for both the good and the bad to shape us, grow us, and bring us closer to God and each other.

2. I'm probably not really that mad at you (most of the time). I'm always working on patience and forgiveness. When we fight, please pray for me that God would soften my heart and that I would be quick to seek resolution. I'm doing the same for you, because I believe that we respect each other enough to not let any conflict divide us.

3. Please understand that I don't expect you to always be strong. This is probably the most important one. Please, please know that we are a team- sharing the load equally. I am just as capable as supporting you as you are of me, and I want to. I know that there will be days, maybe even weeks when life is overwhelming and you are struggling to hear God's voice in the midst of your trials. Let me be there to hold you, to lift you up, to pray over you and to speak words of wisdom and encouragement. Give me your burdens, and I'll give you mine, and we'll never have to carry them alone.

4. A soft answer turns away wrath. I have heard that all of my life, and I sincerely hope that it is something that is grounded into your soul. In any situation, I pray that you are quick to find peace and comfort before you speak. Especially to our children- they are watching you, are learning from you, and are continually seeking your approval. They will make mistakes, sometimes bigger than you can imagine, but please remember that your response can either build them up or tear them down. I pray that you find mercy in all of our trials as a family.

5. Our kids' gender does not define them. I just cannot stress this enough. It weighs heavy on my heart most of the time. If our son would like to take dance classes, finds joy in teddy bears, and cannot find it in his heart to play games with violence, please embrace that. Celebrate the unique, wonderfully-made gift that God has given us in him. Do not force him into "manly" things, but encourage him in his gifts and talents, and be his biggest fan at whatever he decides to do. If our daughter abandons tiaras and Barbies for nerf guns and hot wheels, if she begs to be placed on the football team, please embrace that as well. Celebrate the unique, wonderfully-made gift that God has given us in her. Do not tell her that being a girl limits her, that she is too loud or aggressive, but encourage her in her gifts and talents, and be an advocate for her in a world that will tell her she is the lesser gender. For all of our children, no matter their gender, be consistent to tell them that expressing their emotions, being strong and courageous, and being firm in their faith and convictions is beautiful. Do not make them aware of limits, but of their ability to push past any obstacle they might face. Tell them every day that you love them exactly as they are, and that God loves them extravagantly, abundantly, and unconditionally, forever.

6. Love yourself. You are created out of divine inspiration. molded from the image of God, with God-given gifts and talents that are limitless within God's plan for you. You are human; do not ever be afraid to be fully human. There is beauty in imperfection, and without it, there is no need for God's love and grace. Be confident even in failure. Be humble and seek wisdom. Be passionate. Your calling in life is up to you to carry out. You can do amazing things. In our culture, it is popular to appear unattached; do not fall for that crap. Attach yourself to whatever it is you want, and go for it with all you have. Never be held back by worldly limitations. Speak truth over them that God is in control, and move past them. I believe in you!!!! I am so proud of you, and so delighted to be able to witness your growth and accomplishments.

7. Love others. We live in a big world filled with people who need love. All of God's creation is equal; no man is better than another, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. I pray that your eyes are opened to the beauty of living in love. Hate cannot drive out hate, and God's thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are God's ways our ways. Do not let the multitude of people around us who live in hatred influence you, but be a light to them. In the Kingdom of God, there is no "us and them," only "us."

8. Talk to my dad. He is one of my most favorite people in the world. He is funny, caring, trustworthy, loyal, and hard-working. He will pray for you, he will love you, and he will care for you. There is so much to learn from him. I pray that you will find friendship with him like I have.

9. Love my mom. She is beautiful, brilliant, hard-working, trustworthy, and brilliant (again). She is my best friend. She will laugh and cry with you. She is such a joy. She sometimes needs an extra push to find her adventurous side, so be an encouragement to her. This is the woman who raised me- always give her your respect.

10. Be friends with my brother. This pain-in-the-butt is one of my best friends, and he's a pretty incredible person. Find his passions and be as delighted as I am in hearing him speak about them. Encourage him, confide in him, earn his trust. He is your brother, too, and you have the responsibility of being an example to him. I am always protective over him- join me in that act of love and help me to build him up. Someday, you'll probably want his autograph for some amazing scientific/technological genius breakthrough... just sayin'.

10. Love God. Okay, here's the most important one. I pray that you are as passionate in your devotion to God as I am. We can walk together, and pick each other up when one stumbles. Pray with me, not just for me, and always share your thoughts about God with me. Confide in me when you struggle and when you triumph in your faith. Be wholeheartedly devoted to sharing in the love and grace that was given to us by the cross. Be an example for our family, friends, and community of what it looks like to be in love with Jesus. Do not be afraid to be imperfect, and accept grace when you fall short. Learn forgiveness as a first instinct. Never allow worldly limits to hinder your trust in God. Always believe that greater things have yet to come, and that God is in control.

I am praying for you, I am talking with God about you and about how excited I am to know you and love you. I am learning how to love you. I am seeking God so that my heart will be prepared to commit to you and to experience the beauty of sacrificial love.

I've been lovin' you since day one. We're gonna rock this. It's gonna be incredible.
Sincerely, your wife (...that's weird to say),
Kelsey



-Thanks for reading! You can continue to follow my journey here. Prayers are always appreciated. Feel free to send me a prayer or some encouragement, too! Kelsey_Phipps@baylor.edu

 

"You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Christ Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes." -Philippians 4:19-20

Mark Schultz, C.S. Lewis, and I...

"Then she heard a gentle voice, like an echo from above... 'I have been there; I know what pain is all about. Yes, I have been there- and I'm standing with you now. Oh, I have been there, and I came to build the bridges of this road that will lead you home."

Fear, pain, and sorrow. Three things that Mark Schultz mentions in his song "I Have Been There," when referring to the things Jesus has experienced alongside these people.

There really isn't a whole lot for me to post today, but today was my day to update, so I wanted to stay on track.

Do you ever have those days where everything that could go wrong has gone wrong, all at once, and you just feel like there's nothing you want to do but lay in bed and forget that anything exists?

That's today. That's this week. So many blessings have been happening, and now the enemy comes in to try to steal them. I'm working on not letting that happen. God's peace is reality, not the trials I'm facing.

Originally, I had no interest in 50 Shades of Grey, just saw it as another sex movie that many women were using to create a "holier than thou" competition out of. But as I read more and more about it, I understood a deeper meaning than the sex in it. A lot of what I study and hope to do with my life is to be a voice to victims of abuse that the media DOES have an influence on what our society condones and supports, and have an impact on that. The "Like A Girl" campaign is a great example- they have begun to turn a negative, demeaning phrase into a positive, empowering slogan for women everywhere, of all ages and walks of life, to find a place within. 50 Shades works the other way. It takes sex and female empowerment and warps them into a very scary picture. The girl in the book does not consent to everything that happens, and the man is a controlling, manipulative, abusive man who is now hailed by women everywhere as the perfect man. "He's rich, powerful, in control..." Okay, so take away his money and good looks. Now is he still so perfect? No- most women would describe him as a creep. But I digress.

The point is that I am working hard towards my goal. I want to spend my life being a voice and being part of a movement that reshapes how the media portrays women, victims, and people in general. The media is the biggest influence on my generation. They tell us what to think, and for the most part, we say "okay!" and move along to the next thing. We are desensitized. Girls as young as age eight have eating disorders. Half of girls age eleven report being on a diet. Every woman can say that she's seen something in the media that made her feel seriously bad about herself. The same goes for men, too. Men are supposed to be emotionless, extremely physically strong, and are supposed to be in a constant top-dog battle. It's a web that we al become tangled in. I want to change that. The media only gets to say/do these things because it sells. They make money off of it. So imagine if they didn't- if we stood up and said, "hey! That's not true and it makes us feel bad so we aren't going to listen to it." They would have no choice eventually but to say, "okay, so what DO you want?" Because what THEY want is to make money. There is a problem, and there is a solution.

So even on a terrible day like today, I am working on my goals. I am remembering that God has me here for a reason, that I am valued and worthy and loved, and that I am not alone. I'm struggling, yes but I'm not giving up. I am pushing forward.

"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." -C.S. Lewis



-Thanks for reading! You can continue to follow my journey here. Prayers are always appreciated. Feel free to send me a prayer or some encouragement, too! Kelsey_Phipps@baylor.edu

 

"You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Christ Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes." -Philippians 4:19-20

Shepherd and Counselor; Faith and Contentment

Matthew 6:25-27 says "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air' they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

The answer to that question is no. Worrying is not of God. At no point in the Bible does someone ask God what to do and receive an answer of "Well, you should probably worry, because that seems like a pretty big problem." Not even Adam and Eve, when they lose the garden, Not Mary, when she must carry and deliver the son of God, not Moses, when he frees the slaves, not Abraham and Sarah, when they ask for a child, not Noah, when the Earth floods, not Jonah, Ruth and Naomi, Mary and Martha, or any of the disciples... Not anyone in the Bible is told by God to worry. These people all faced some pretty life-changing problems and events. Imagine being responsible for the fall of man, being the mother of Jesus, being 100 years old and pregnant, or even living in a time when Christianity was so illegal that they fed you to lions for professing it-- I feel like I would worry a bit about those things if I encountered them. In fact, thinking about those problems makes all of my problems suddenly seem, well, not so problematic.

One of my favorite women in history is Perpetua. She lived during a time when Christians were being executed lion's-lunch style. Perpetua had just given birth to a little boy and was still nursing at the time she was brought before the leaders to either profess or deny her faith. Before she begins to speak, her father approaches her and begs her to renounce Christianity so she can come home to her child. He tells her that without her nursing, her baby boy will likely die. Perpetua knows that there is no hope for her being spared from death if she admits to being a Christian, yet she also knows there is no hope for her soul if she walks away from God. She chooses to trust God's plan and tells her father, "Do you see this vessel lying here... a little pitcher... Can it be called by any other name than what it is? Nor can I call myself anything other than what I am, a Christian."

Her father gets so angry that he abandons her. Perpetua spends the next few days seeking God and praying over the calling for her life. She prays that God would save her baby, and not long after, the child is brought to her so she can nurse him. However, the child rejects it, and though she has not nursed in weeks, Perpetua feels no pain. She glorifies God in her martyrdom, never worrying about whether her child will be cared for, because she knows that her God is more powerful than any Earthly force, and though they can separate child from mother, they cannot separate child from God. She also does not worry about her own life, because she trusts in God's will for her.

Worry is unhelpful, unreasonable, and unhealthy. We just started a new series in church, and last Sunday, worry was the topic. I loved the quote we heard from Dr. Charles Mayo, "You can't worry yourself to life, but you can worry yourself to death."

One of the biggest things I struggle with is control. Worry stems from wanting to have control over things that are out of your hands. Faith and worry are not compatible. If you trust God's will, you cannot simultaneously worry about your life. When you worry, what you are really saying is "God, I don't trust you. I want to control my own life because I don't think you will provide for me."

Thankfully, we have a God who ignores that ridiculous behavior, and guides us anyways.

Psalm 23 says that "God is MY shepherd...." not a shepherd, or the shepherd, but mine and yours. What does a shepherd do? He tends for sheep. We are the sheep in this- and sheep need a shepherd to survive. As far as animals go, I'm fairly sure sheep are at the bottom of the "self-survival" list. They have almost zero instinct to protect themselves, and the sad part is, they don't even know it. That's a good comparison to humans. We think we can do it, but we just can't. We spend so much time saying "This is what my heart wants, I want to be happy, I have a plan, etc..." but we forget to stop and ask what God has for us. God's plans are always so much better than our own. When we try to live for ourselves and for our own gain, we not only usually fail, but we miss out on many wonderful experiences that can only be reached when we live within God's will. I know so many people, especially people my age, who think they are living their best life by doing whatever they want to do, whatever comes their way and looks like it could bring happiness/contentment. The problem with that, though, is that contentment cannot be brought through things. It is formed through whatever we already have along with trust that God will keep us where we need to be. When you try to do your own thing, you almost guarantee that you will end up worrying about things. It's an endless cycle that gets you nowhere.

As sheep, that's all we can do on our own- live in a cycle of worry and failure. However, when we let our shepherd guide us, we can break the cycle and begin to live a truly fulfilling life. We discussed four things that our shepherd does in church:
1. He provides,
2. He protects,
3. He directs, and
4. He guides.
There is a difference between directing and guiding. To direct is to stay in one position while giving directions to another. Think of a time you were lost somewhere and asked for directions- the person most likely just gave you street names or landmarks to follow. Guiding involves going along, leading the way- like a tour guide.

So, to summarize: we shouldn't worry. God's good and perfect will never fails. When the universe was created, every human to ever walk the earth was formed in God's plan, and every breath we take is recorded before we are even born. Thinking about that amazes me- to know a God who literally has already seen every act of your lifetime, but who loves you extravagantly anyways.

Before I close, I should say that there are two things we should be worrying about:
1. Trying to shepherd our own life, and
2. Trying to save and forgive ourselves.
Why would we ever want to be our own shepherd when we have no idea what tomorrow holds? Especially when there is a shepherd who does know and is willing to take us in as soon as we call. Secondly, we simply cannot save or forgive ourselves. It doesn't work that way- not even in Earthly things. If you were to rob a bank, get caught, and stand before a judge, you could not say "Oh, wait! You should know that I have already forgiven myself." and get away with the robbery. You cannot live for yourself. The human heart is not to be trusted. You may acquire short-term gratification from living your own way, but you will never find true happiness apart from God.

Listen, you are so abundantly loved. The Bible tells us that nothing can ever separate us from this extravagant love. Jesus' love for us is so limitless that He endured the worst pain you could ever imagine. "You took the fall, and thought of me above all." Live in this love and trust in this promise.



-Thanks for reading! You can continue to follow my journey here. Prayers are always appreciated. Feel free to send me a prayer or some encouragement, too! Kelsey_Phipps@baylor.edu

 

"You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Christ Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes." -Philippians 4:19-20

If I had the chance to start over.

Dear Kelsey, five years old,
Make as many memories as possible in the big blue house on Truman St. This is where you grow up. Please, for the love of all things holy, keep your room clean (well, not all the time. It's fun to spend the day with Grandma Patty cleaning). Love your little brother, and when he treats you badly, walk away and remember that he is the only little brother you have, and that he is a truly wonderful person who will always be so important in your life. Listen to Mom and Dad. Try your best in school, because homeschooling is preparing you for so many incredible things you can't even imagine. Pay attention to things. Listen to Mom and Dad talk and soak it all up. I know that times are so hard during these years, with no money and a lot of sadness, but instead of sitting in your room wondering if God exists, open your eyes, because He is sitting next to you, holding you and carrying you through so many heartbreaks that your little heart shouldn't have had to endure. Trust me- I know. I look back now, and I see very clearly that He was right there speaking to you. Love your daddy with all of your heart. He works harder than anyone you will ever know, and it's all for you. His heart holds so much love, wisdom, and grace. He is full of life and he has overcome mountains taller than real-life ones. Tell him you love him, because I know there are times when it doesn't look like it. Love your momma with all of your heart, too. Tell her every day that you are so thankful for her, because she could be out living her own life, but she's spending her days at home with you, teaching you and shaping you into something beautiful. I know, I know- things get really bad. When you have to leave the big blue house and move into the tiny, dirty trailer, don't look down on your family. Be grateful for the home God has provided you with, and use the small space to be even closer to your family. Your momma makes that house a home. It looks beautiful for what it is. Cherish the work they put into it. Do not sit in your room and think that the only thing God has for you is to live in this town and be married. Dream BIG, sister. I would tell you how things are turning out now, but you would never believe me. He counts the stars and knows them by name; you are not forgotten, not even a little bit. Lastly, make the most of living in the same town as Grandma Patty and Grandpa Earl. Ask Mom to go see them as much as possible. Ask Grandpa to tell you every story he can think of. Just sit in the presence of your family and know that you are so blessed beyond measure.
Learn these things now, so you don't have to later on.


Dear Kelsey, thirteen years old,
New schools suck. That's the absolute truth, and I'm sorry I can't give you anything better than that. But schools aren't new forever. Make a home where you are. Popularity literally does not exist. Everyone is human. People group themselves according to personalities/interests. No group is better than another. Embrace humanity. The apartment is smaller than some of your classrooms, but you are now next door to Papa and Lowie, and they are just too amazing. It's so much fun to see your grandma every day. Yes, she gets better. Don't sit in the bathroom and cry, but instead pray for her for strength and peace. She is so strong, and nothing can keep her down. She's still one of the most influential and important people in your life. Listen, things aren't easy right now. And you don't know the whole story, but that's okay. When you do know, you will be thankful for a God who kept you separate from what the devil was trying to do to your family. Sharing a bedroom with your brother is just not fun. But at night, when you can't sleep, pray for him. If you think you are having a rough time, imagine him-- the same situation, but two years younger. He has a heart that is hurting and he needs you to be there to lead him. Mom is in college, and you hate it now, but holy crap, Kels- watch her. She is blossoming. She is shining so brightly and that is something to be proud of. No, she can't be there for you all the time anymore, but she is a human, too, and she deserves to be happy. She's so incredible. YES, you DO want to be JUST LIKE HER! She never quits. She's your best friend. Someday, you'll want to spend every day with her, and you'll tell her everything. Your dad is taking any job he can, and things are stressful because there's no money, but don't get mad when he can't give you what you want. Respect him for the work he's putting in 24/7. He's working through some things in his own heart, and they are so important. He is learning to value himself. You love Dad more than anything. Someday, you'll call him every single night just to hear him talk. Mom and Dad Do make it through everything. They are an unbreakable force, and the devil just can't win against the power God has placed in their marriage. Once again, just like always: you are not alone. God sees you, God loves you, and God is right in the middle of your world, making all things new. Love yourself, girl. Do not think about ending your life. Do not listen to anyone who tells you that you are not enough. Do not stand in the mirror and hate what you see. God created you! You are BEAUTIFUL! Please love yourself. Please. Push down the walls and let people in. Trust God. You still wouldn't believe me if I told you about life after high school.


Dear Kelsey, sixteen years old,
No, this isn't life. This is God showing you that you are strong enough to make it. This is God trying to open your heart to Him so that you can enter true life. I promise that you cannot do it alone. Stop trying altogether and just listen to His voice. You meet your best friend this year. Hug her even when she doesn't want you to. That girl is a freakin' miracle for you, and she needs to be loved. She's gonna shine, someday, and God is speaking through you into her life. She'll tell you that someday... You'll cry. A lot. It's awesome. Don't listen to the teachers and coaches who are telling you that you're failing. They'll tell you until the day you graduate, and even after when you visit home from college. It's funny, though, how wrong they are. I can't believe that you STILL wouldn't believe me if I told you about life in just three years. Ha! Hold on, girl. It gets so much better. Listen. To. Mom. And. Dad. DO NOT be quick to anger. I know that you think you are so grown up and life is not fair because they treat you like a child, but someday, you will miss that. You will want your momma to take care of you. You will want your dad to walk in your room when he gets home from work and say hi. I know you love your brother, and I know that you spend countless hours defending him and praying for him.... But he doesn't. Involve him in that. Be proactive in forming a relationship with him. He's getting ready to shine, too. It's amazing! He still needs his big sister. Be the bigger person and love him more. Don't spend too much time away from family. I know they're crazy, but someday, they will be all you can talk about. You'll bring them up in conversation constantly. People will outright tell you "you must have a really close family!" and yes you do, so be proud now. Love yourself. Now, more than ever. See the value that God has placed in you and don't give anyone the authority to take it away. Not peers, bosses, friends, teachers, or coworkers. SHINE and GROW where you are planted. There is literally no limit to what you can do.

Dear Kelsey, eighteen years old,
I told you that you wouldn't believe me!!!!!! Stop right now. Commit to never living in fear again. Commit to trusting God with all of your heart, before you even pack one thing. When you leave for college, make sure your heart is ready. Fill it with God and family and be consistent to listen. "Be still and know that I am God." Do not, do not, do not sit around in your room. Everyone is telling you that, I know- so listen!!!! It's literally that easy. You have nothing to lose when the steps you take are led by God. It's not easy. It's the hardest thing yet. But do not make yourself sick over missing home. No one is forgetting you or leaving you behind. They will drive three hours to meet you at the airport and hug you and cry. They will cry every time you leave. They will pray for you every day. You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who are cheering for you. Don't take that the wrong way- they aren't watching for you to fail. If you fail, they are there to help you up. It's amazing. It's overwhelming. It's glorious. It is the kingdom of God in action. Congratulations on your achievements! I hope now that you believe that there is literally nothing limiting you. Go for it, whatever it is. It either happens, or God has something else. Either way, you win. You have the very best parents and sibling and entire family. You can do this. You have been through the hard times we already talked about, and you now know that God was there the whole time, and you never really fell. Believe that that truth has not and will not ever change. Love yourself.

Sincerely,
You, age nineteen and catching up on a lot.



-Thanks for reading! You can continue to follow my journey here. Prayers are always appreciated. Feel free to send me a prayer or some encouragement, too! Kelsey_Phipps@baylor.edu

 

"You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Christ Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes." -Philippians 4:19-20

Living in "The Wack"

Starting blog posts is weird, so I’ll skip the intro and just get to some sort of point! (hopefully)

Exciting news—I declared my major last week! I am officially a Pre-Social Work major at Baylor. With this major I intend to work in non-profit aiding victims of slavery, sex trafficking, and abuse, and women in prostitution, etc. Reaching, serving, and loving people who do not and possibly have not ever experienced love and Jesus is my biggest passion.

This is week 3 on campus!

As I’ve explored more of both the University and Waco these past three weeks, I have been made keenly aware of the vast difference between the two. Baylor is a rather expensive private university with a beautiful campus and basically anything someone could need (food, grocery, shelter, stores, gym, church, medical center, etc.) Waco, however, is sitting at a 27% poverty rate, while the national average is 13%. The streets are run-down, and there are people in tattered, dirt-stained clothes walking/sitting along sidewalks and street corners almost everywhere. Of course, there are nicer parts of Waco, but so far, I have discovered them in little pockets between older neighborhoods.

I’ve also been thinking a lot about how Baylor came to be in a town like Waco. Of course, there’s the historical explanation that Baylor tells the freshman quite frequently their first few weeks on campus, but for me there’s a much more personal reason. I believe that God placed Baylor in Waco for many reasons for many different people. For me, I know that Baylor is the beginning of an incredible journey that God has planned for me, and Waco will be an important first step. The people of Waco are desperately in need of service, in need of love, and most of all, in need of Jesus. Alone, I have nothing to offer, but through Him, I can be a difference in someone’s life.

The church in America has strayed so far from Jesus’ intentions with the poor. They build multi-million dollar buildings and preach about giving money to the less-fortunate. They donate to/volunteer at shelters apart from the churches, but do not invite the “less-fortunate” into their homes. When it comes to actually living and serving in the midst of them, most churches draw the line in the name of “safety.” They have forgotten that our safety lies within faith in Jesus. It’s ridiculous to refuse to serve the prostitute or the drug addict because “they live in unsafe, unclean conditions. Gangs, pimps, etc. are everywhere, and it’s just not safe to be there.”

When Jesus came to Earth, he didn’t just go hang out with the rich, clean people living in big homes (not that he ignored those people). He went and befriended the tax collectors, the lepers, and all of the “unclean,” hated people in the areas he visited. When He met the Samaritan woman at the well, she was surprised that He would even speak to her. Zacchaeus almost didn’t believe Jesus when He told him that He was going to eat with him at his house. Other people were appalled at the places Jesus went to, and the people He spent time with.

I imagine that’s how a lot of people would react today if someone were to reach out to them that way in the name of Jesus. They’d expect to be called out for their sins, to be chastised and disapproved of for the choices they’ve made in life. The overwhelming voice of Christianity in America today is the group of people who are constantly calling out the sin, demanding that we refuse others rights in the name of religious law. Anti-gay marriage and abortion groups can be found so easily. Where, though, are the Christian support groups for the women who have had abortions? Where are the people who recognize that God’s work does not come through force, but through love? Humans have free will. No one will ever choose Jesus if the message they hear is all about how wrong they are. It has to come through love and support.

Can you imagine being 30 years old and applying to a college that sent you letters and emails about how lazy and stupid you were? If they constantly put you down for not going to college right after high school, would you even want to attend at age 30? Of course not. That’s why colleges encourage adults to go back to school. Billboards say ‘It’s not too late!” and “Anyone can succeed.” Radio ads say “find the career you belong in! Love your life and work!” because they understand how to reach people and change their lives. You may say that the issue of salvation is more extreme than education, but humans come to change the same way for any situation—they have to want to change, and wanting to change comes from feeling encouraged and welcomed into the new lifestyle.

The truth is, we are not the judges:

So where does that leave you when you criticize a brother? And where does that leave you when you condescend to a sister? I’d say it leaves you looking pretty silly—or worse. Eventually, we’re all going to end up kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God. Your critical and condescending ways aren’t going to improve your position there one bit. Read it for yourself in Scripture: “As I live and breathe,” God says, “every knee will bow before me; Every tongue will tell the honest truth that I and only I am God.” So tend to your knitting. You’ve got your hands full just taking care of your own life before God. (Romans 14:10-12 MSG)

 It will never be our job to tell someone about their sin, to judge them for it, or to try to force them to change. We can’t play God and follow God at the same time. Jesus came in love, with grace and mercy for anyone who would receive it. The cross is a beautiful story of redemption; God who loved the world so much that He gave his only son to die in the place of every human that would ever walk the Earth. A God who would sacrifice something that immense is surely a God of abounding love and mercy that has no end.

I can’t say that I have ever been so close to such obvious poverty as I am now in Waco. I have been so privileged and blessed in my life, but I’m so glad that God has placed me here now. I don’t want to live oblivious to the need that is so prominent in our nation and world; there are people who sleep in trash bags and eat rotten scraps out of dumpsters, women who were never given educational opportunity, and now can’t find jobs outside of strip clubs. They are treated as subhuman by everyone around them. There are parents who have no idea how to raise their children, and no way to provide for them. There are children with no parents—no one to teach them, protect them, or love them.

My family has never been wealthy, and there have been times we’ve lost a home or had to face the hard fact of my dad losing his job. We’ve been on government assistance, and we’ve squeezed our family of four into a tiny two-bedroom apartment. But we have never been homeless, never gone hungry, and never been without clothing. Though my clothes as a child may have been hand-me-downs from cousins, they were nice clothes that fit. I remember a time when my mom and I passed a homeless man on a bridge just outside of town. He had a sign asking for food. When we got home, my mom made a huge pot of ham and beans and took a large container of it back to him.

When my parents served as young-adult leaders at a local church, our home was constantly filled with teenagers and 20-something’s from all walks of life. The love and service that my parents poured out to them changed both the people’s lives and mine. I grew up with the understanding that it didn’t matter how much you had to give, you gave it with the knowledge that the God you served would be faithful in fulfilling your needs. And He was, over and over again, all throughout my childhood and still today.

Thinking about my own childhood compared to that of some of the kids living in Waco, I could never say that my family was poor or underprivileged. I am so grateful that my parents raised me in an environment that was surrounded by Jesus and his true calling for His people—sacrificial, limitless, unending love. Love that does not have borders, or restrictions, or guidelines. Just pure, honest service to anyone who had a need, big or small. It has shaped me into who I am today, and prepared me for the life that Jesus has called me to. Waco is my home for the next four years, and it’s not a coincidence. I have been called to love these people and serve them, to change and save lives of those who the world has forgotten. There are already so many people doing that in Waco, at Baylor, and I can’t wait to join them.

 

 

 

-Thanks for reading! You can continue to follow my journey here. Prayers are always appreciated. Feel free to send me a prayer or some encouragement, too! Kelsey_Phipps@baylor.edu

"You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Christ Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes." -Philippians 4:19-20