Volume 100: Rest in 100 Volumes !!!

No better way to celebrate Volume 100 than celebrating you, my loyal Unpluggers! 

If I got to pick 12 disciples, you would be 7 of them ok!!! I am so very grateful for each of you. Every week may come as a group message, but may I assure you that you have individually made a lasting impact on my life. 

While you all have different qualities, one thing you all have in common is that I feel rest in your presence! Your friendship brings me a feeling of safety and acceptance - the comfort that I can be myself. More than that, time with you makes me want to be better - you all live humble lives of glorifying God in the small, unseen ways. 

If it weren't for Merry Grace.... First off, I would have never returned to Camp Ozark... I remember the specific moment of being at Racetrac with my friends eating frozen yogurt and Merry Grace called me so I walked out to answer. She had called to encourage me, ask me to come back and speak value to my return. And the rest is history! But that's not the only time our phone calls have helped me to make decisions. Unfortunately, our whole friendship has been spent long distance (even though we were supposed to live in the same city at one point....) Yet, that hasn't kept her from being a go to friend for me. Whether a difficult time in the summer or trying to decide what to do with my life, Merry Grace is always at the top of my list to seek advice from! She's wise and level headed and cares about me as a person. 

The ultimate cultivator! Whether relationships or jobs or cities, Merry Grace teaches me the importance of buying in and finding the joy with exactly where God has her! She is always positive and focusing on things to be thankful for!

If it weren't for Debbie... I would be even more self-centered and inward focused... I find high value in the concept of mentorship, firmly believing that God desires us to impart our wisdom on others. And man did I luck out on having Debbie as a mentor in my life. Despite being the oldest of all of us (age is just a number!!), she is the most eager to learn and grow and continually challenges herself to be better, whether professionally, personally, or spiritually. It brings me great rest in knowing I have Debbie Priddy on my team in this life!

The ultimate perspective shifter! In every circumstance, Debbie is quick to point others to what matters and remind us that there is much more than just our small, single-focused worlds we live in. She is a firm believer in prayer and devoted to God's Word, understanding these to be the two most important things that shape her perspective. 

If it weren't for Frannie... I would be missing out on a lot of growth in my life! For me, Frannie is kind of like a big sister - unafraid to challenge me or call me out if I am being dumb! While also very encouraging and intentional in the way she cares for me. She teaches me more of what it looks like to live a life of trusting God. The other day, I caught myself about to say "Whether daycare or airbnbs, things always just work out for her!" But then I stopped myself because I realized... It "works out for her" because the Cash crew continually puts themselves in situations in which they have to trust and then they get to see the Lord provide. Because of time with Frannie, I want to release the grip I have on the comforts in this life. 

The ultimate connector of people - she knows so many people and places and if you are moving or looking for a new friend, call Frannie! A life of unity and bringing people together!

If it weren't for Elliott... I would be a hypocritical Unplugger! Right out of college, I wanted to continue to practice a slow lifestyle, but I don't think I actually knew what that looked like until getting to live with Elliott. The photo above is the moment that bride Elliott revealed herself to us bridesmaids, and I immediately started to cry... not the cute kind of crying that you want for the photo shoot... I was overcome with her beauty!! Yes, physical beauty of course! But more so the inward beauty of knowing Elliott's heart and the ups and downs that accumulated to get to that moment. And let me tell you, Elliott is devoted in her faith. She prioritizes her relationship with God and as a result, blesses those of us who get to be around her. 

The ultimate slow lifestyler! Whether speaking on a voice memo, just sitting on the couch, cooking dinner, drinking a cup of coffee, or praying in silence at the church, Elliott is never in a rush! 

 

If it weren't for Yellerton... life would be less joyful! Yellerton is the friend who plays along with any of my annoying games... She knows what I am about to say or how I will react, sometimes maybe better than I do. She believes in people with a contagious sense of confidence that you can conquer anything! A large example being this blog wouldn't have even begun without Yellerton instilling in me the belief that my words can matter! She helps everyone around her see their value and becomes their number one cheerleader. In our job at camp, we have endless opportunities to make people feel seen and no one does it better than Yellerton. An example to us all!

The ultimate selfless servant! No matter how much she has on her own plate, she is always willing to stop and help anyone in need, welcoming interruptions and never making others feel like a burden.

If it weren't for Adeline... I wouldn't have a personal counselor!! Adeline is one of those friends that listens so well that I find myself talking wayyyyy too much. She's one of the best listeners I know - gives her undivided attention, remembers the things you say, and always follows up. And then when she does open her mouth, she is careful with her words, authentic in her thoughts and emotions, and overall very wise. She has an eagerness to learn from others from all life stages. Whether hosting a small group for church, co-founding BAM, or starting up women's ministry activities, she creates spaces for people to feel seen and known. 

The ultimate speaker of life! I have never heard Adeline speak badly of anyone... She is always uplifting with her words and the way she cares for the people in her life!

If it weren't for Jenna... my mind would constantly be racing 100 million miles per hour. Jenna continues to amaze me because I am not sure if her heart rate ever increases. No matter what comes her way, she seems to always remain cool, calm and collected. I think it's sometimes hard for her to understand my worries because she simply can't relate to my overthinking brain... Her friendship reminds me to be still and trust God - that there is no need to worry about earthly things. Now, I know she's not perfect ok, but I learn a lot from her slow pace. Jenna stays focused on what's most important. 

The ultimate calming presence! She never complains nor speaks negatively or pushes people away. She's always looking on the bright side of things and inviting others in! 

So on this day, I give thanks to the Lord! And pray for you! And for us! That in this loud and busy world, we, as the mighty Unpluggers, may continue to find rest in our Heavenly Father who created us and loves us and never forsakes us. And that we would be willing to set aside a day to be with Him, trusting that He will provide all of our needs. 

As Pastor Eric wrote in his prayer today, "I praise you that you have given me and all your purchased people this space, every seven days, to get re-acquainted with the hungers you have placed in us so we might be nourished by you."